New Jersey continues to grow as a production hub, and that growth has opened the door to new career paths for residents interested in hands-on work behind the scenes.
Please join us for the info session on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 5pm EST
One of the most relied-upon roles on any set is the shop craft position, often called the carpentry team. These trained professionals build, install, and remove the wooden structures that bring every set to life.
Reel Works, in partnership with I.A.T.S.E. Local 52, has launched an intensive program designed for individuals across New Jersey who want to step into this trade. The training focuses on the core skills needed inside a studio shop and on active sets. For anyone looking to join the region’s production workforce, this program offers a structured way to enter the field and start building paid experience.
Skills Covered in the Shop Craft Training
Carpenters in TV and film play a central role in shaping the physical environment of a production. Sets rely on precision, safety, and quick turnaround, making technical training essential. Reel Works and I.A.T.S.E. Local 52 focus on the abilities that shop craft teams use daily on active stages and soundstages.
The program includes:
- Safe and proper use of hand and power tools
- Construction of flats, platforms, and supporting structures
- Installation and strike procedures
- Shop workflow and teamwork
- Blueprint reading and interpretation (recommended skill for applicants)
Participants should already have basic experience with hand and power tools before applying. The training then builds on those foundational abilities and connects them to the expectations of union shops and production environments across the region.
Program Requirements
To join the Winter cohort, applicants must meet the following:
- At least 18 years of age
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- NJ resident with proof of address inside the 70-mile radius of Fort Monmouth
- Previous use of hand and power tools
- A strong interest in the TV and film field
- Ability to read blueprints is recommended
These requirements help ensure that participants can take full advantage of the hands-on instruction and are ready to step into the responsibilities that shop craft roles demand.
Why Carpentry Matters in TV and Film
Every set, from a small interview backdrop to a full-scale interior build, starts in the carpentry shop. Teams craft the framework behind scenic walls, platforms, and temporary structures. Their work must be durable enough to support lighting, cameras, and cast movement, while also being efficient to install and remove.
Production schedules in New Jersey often move quickly, particularly when crews are working in established studios or short-term rental locations. Skilled craftpersons keep these projects running smoothly. For residents who enjoy problem-solving, hands-on work, and a team environment, the field offers steady demand and long-term growth.
A Local First Step Into the Union Path
A major advantage of this training is the partnership with I.A.T.S.E. Local 52, the union that represents shop craft roles in our region. Local 52 teams support productions across New Jersey and New York, and the union’s standards help shape the training curriculum. Graduates gain a clear view of what professional expectations look like and how to pursue future opportunities in the craft.
This program is designed as a first step, giving residents the foundation needed to build a long-term career. With film and TV projects continuing to invest in New Jersey locations, this pathway aligns with job growth in our area.
Building New Jersey’s Next Generation of Craft Talent
As the film and TV industry expands across the state, the need for trained craftspeople grows with it. This partnership between Reel Works and I.A.T.S.E. Local 52 offers New Jersey residents a direct way to enter a field that blends creativity, construction, and technical skill.
For those who want to start a hands-on career in entertainment and live within reach of Fort Monmouth, this program provides an accessible and paid gateway into an essential craft.
