Skills Development Program

Skills Development Program Overview

* As of December 3, 2024

40+Participants

10+Streams

10K+Training Hours

45+Trainers/Mentors

This program has been the best opportunity I’ve had in my career thus far.

Fiyin Coker
Post-Production, SDP 2024

The Black Academy Skills Development Program, created and administered by The Black Academy and Insight Productions, is an unparallelled training experience designed to increase the number of Black Canadians employed in the screen industry by fostering the participants’ professional growth.

The Skills Development Program is distinguished by its unique combination of real-world experiences, bespoke training, and salaried positions. Participants receive intensive and immersive training that is custom-tailored to each individual according to their level of experience and career goals. Whether new to the industry or looking to expand their existing skills, participants are trained on-the-job and mentored by leading experts. By compensating the participants with industry-standard wages, financial barriers are reduced and accessibility is increased.

The Black Academy and Insight Productions

Amazing opportunity. Professional environment.

The Skills Development Program Participants are primarily employed on The Legacy Awards which provides a rich training ground and enables them to bolster their résumés with new skills, experiences, networks, and screen credits.

See what some of The Skills Development Program Participants had to say:

Now’s the time that we open doors to people with diverse backgrounds to be working in media, production, film and tv. I think this program is a symbol of change and it stands as something important for young people who are struggling to get their foot in the door. We definitely need more people of colour and especially more Black people to be on set. Not even just on set but behind the scenes, doing what I do, dealing with paperwork and budgeting.

Shane LaTouche, Jr.
Line Producer, 2022

The most memorable and meaningful part of being in the program for me personally would have to be the fact that the program is dedicated to Black Excellence, celebrating Black Excellence, working with all Black members. It’s something I’ve never done, so it’s something that’s extremely meaningful to me. Especially in Canada, where there’s so many talented Black people, so many talented artists and ambitious people who are in this industry as well. I think it’s just really important. It makes me feel like I’m capable in an industry where sometimes you feel like you’re not.

Chantel Paul
Wardrobe Assistant, 2022

I was able to build my skills from the ground up. I’m confident that the Skills program is an important resource for anyone starting out in the creative field because of all that it can offer. I’m excited for the next person to reap those benefits as I have. I’m now equipped with the tools to become a lead editor.

Elizabeth Kahura
Assistant Editor, 2022

What I learned the most from being a part of the skills development program is how to be a team player, responsibility, and accountability. I’ve been able to sit in on big production meetings and go through everything with all the team members, that’s been an amazing experience. I did find that we were all very eager to get to know one another and really connect. I’m really thankful for those connections.

Milca Kuflu
Jr. Story Producer, 2022

I wholeheartedly recommend the Skills Development Program to anyone seeking an opportunity to collaborate with some of the most creative, capable, kind, and gifted professionals in the industry.

Grace May Gilbert-Walters
Writing, 2023

The staff were great and made me feel seen and heard.

Yvano Wickham-Edwards
Directing, 2023

They have opened doors for me that may not have been possible to do on my own and I will forever be grateful to everyone that works so hard to create these opportunities for us.

Rashayn Alexander
Post-Production, 2023

Participating in The Black Academy’s Skills Development Program has been a life-changing experience, profoundly impacting my career.

Kianah Lécuyer
Production Coordination, 2023

I’ve learned so much. Being in a place where Black creatives were able to shine and be as amazing as they can be, was life changing, honestly.

MJ Asuza
Jr. Editor, 2022

Alumni

Learn more about the participants and their experiences during their time with The Skills Development Program.

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Faculty

Learn more about the trainers and mentors who took a professional approach and provided a safe space for learning.

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Streams

Find out more about the different steams offered throughout the years in The Skills Development Program.

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Thank you to our past sponsors and supporters of The Skills Development Program.

We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.