Employment Training Panel Awards $11 million to Train 7,700 employees

DreamWorks Animation LLC Awarded $258,000 to Train 870 employees

SACRAMENTO – The State of California’s Employment Training Panel announced it approved 23 contracts worth nearly $11 million to train nearly 7,700 workers. Included is a $258,000 contract to DreamWorks Animation LLC to train 870 employees in entertainment multimedia.

“The entertainment industry has a high demand for skilled workers in the latest advanced technologies,” said Employment Training Panel Assistant Executive Director Peter Cooper. “The funds awarded today will mean more opportunities for employee advancement and a helping hand in growing jobs.”

DreamWorks Animation produces animated films, television programs, live entertainment, commercials and virtual games. The company also produces, distributes, and releases films and market licensed consumer merchandise.

“ETP funded training will help DreamWorks Animation further develop a high performance work environment and maintain a competitive edge in the animation marketplace,” said Ryan Kuo-Atkinson, Training Production Supervisor of DreamWorks Animation. “The funds will enable us to create successful films, TV shows, and other related entertainment products. Achieving these goals allows DreamWorks Animations to attract new talent and create ‘jobs of the future’ right here in California.”

DreamWorks will use the training contract to help it hire 150 new employees, enhance efficiencies and expand its employees’ skills to new technologies. DreamWorks artists, technologists and engineers will receive custom skills training to support the advancement of technical equipment, software, technology and processes associated with the animation and film industry. The Employment Training Panel is the state’s premier program supporting job creation and retention through training. The Panel reimburses employers for the costs of training existing workers, funds training to unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce, and helps ensure California businesses have the skilled workers they need to remain competitive.

For more information about the program, please visit http://www.etp.ca.gov, or call (916) 327-5578.