Students in the Film & Television Production and DECA programs at Passaic High School #9 recently met with Greg Hancox, President of IATSE Local 59. Hancox represents stagehands who support entertainment venues throughout Hudson County and is active within the Hudson County Central Labor Council.
During his visit, Hancox introduced students to the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Technician Apprenticeship Program, a collaboration between IATSE Locals 59, 21, and 632. He explained how apprenticeship pathways open doors to careers in lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and other areas that support live events, theatre, television, and media production.
Hancox also discussed IATSE’s educational outreach efforts, including training programs offered through the union’s Education & Training Department, which provide skill‑building opportunities for students exploring technical careers in entertainment.
The visit offered students a valuable introduction to careers that blend creativity with hands‑on technical skill. By learning about apprenticeship options and the training available through IATSE, Film & Television and DECA students gained a clearer understanding of how they can begin preparing for future opportunities in media production and live‑event industries.
