Would you pay to train your competitor? PTT of Florida, LLC does…sort of. PPT is a temporary employment company that provides manual labor, professional crew, and rental equipment for lighting, sound, and rigging primarily for live events. "We found a win-win strategy," says Maria Munro, managing partner of the south Florida-based temporary labor company. "In Florida, it's common to have a crew that works with a number of similar employers at the same time. We like to ensure that PTT of Florida's crew represents the best, most well-trained talent in the area. It's good for us, for our clients and the employees.
"Let's say someone works lighting or rigging on a crew that isn't PTT and asks for a referral for additional work," Munro continues. "I believe it's more likely they'll refer PTT, in part because we provide all our employees with a free training program. The program is part of our employee hiring process, and everyone takes part. This ensures that each member goes in any venue with good skills and attention to safety. That alone helps advance a career. PTT gets positive word-of-mouth and, as word spreads, potential new staff members and bookings."
Training ROI
PTT's monthly "school" for employees offers four-hour workshops at no charge for its staff. The teams are small enough to provide one-on-one training. Every session is led by experienced field experts who instruct basic stagehand skills, attention to safe practices, and PTT rules of behavior on any job. Those with more experience find the sessions useful as a refresher as well. They also help mentor novices, which helps to develop team leader skills.
"In-house training promotes a safe work environment, consistency in activity, and an educated team. For PTT, the investment is worth it," says Munro, "even knowing that our employees take new skills with them to other assignments. That is the nature of the business. We want our employees to enjoy their jobs and their opportunities."
"Employees might learn on the job," says PTT training manager Ed Horta, "but become pigeon-holed into one part of the industry. Cross-training skills make for a more versatile stagehand – someone who can pinch hit if there is a need on the job."
"I knew basic event production, but I didn't know the ‘why,'" says PTT employee Aquiles Umanzor. "This class made it come together. I knew ‘stage left, stage right, upstage, downstage,' all the terms. Now I understand how the terminology developed. It's easier to recall and explain to others. It makes my work more meaningful. I'm less a person just doing as told. I know the ‘what' and ‘why' behind the job."
The first classes were held in two different arena locations – BankAtlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale and the BankUnited Center in Miami, with about 15 to 20 per class. "All new employees are required to attend before or shortly after job placement," says Maria. "We might use a variety of venues in the future to allow for a mix of settings scenarios."
What They Learn
PTT created its own learning manual and it covers a lot of ground. From safety, work habits and uniforms to more advanced skills that includes sound, electrics, carpentry and more.
Classes are not graded. Assessment tools include written quizzes and visual observation. Instructors bring over 45 years of combined professional experience. They are top pros in lighting, sound and rigging.
"The curriculum was created by PTT employees and PTT clients," says Horta. "It came from daily interactions. If PTT employees or clients came to us with questions and we noticed that it seemed to come up often, that made its way into the PTT training program."
"It was a great way to learn a lot of information in a short amount of time," says student Phillip Coughlin. "It was stress free." Phillip signed on with PTT for extra income while studying for his degree. "I didn't expect it to be so detailed."
What might the future hold for the program? Munro says she may consider working shops for the public or see if PTT employes might receive full
ETCP Renewal Credits.
