To train or not to train?

The international markets embrace the training systems, and the people flock to the training institutions by the hundreds, as many of the international production houses won't even look at you unless you have a level one or level two certificate.

So much so that, in many of the recruitment ads placed in Europe, production houses specify that they are looking for a level one certificate operator, or a level two Motion operator... and don't bother applying for the job unless you have the credentials in place.

What so important about training

So what's so important about the training, and what do you get from it?

Well, the standard song and dance is that you will be taught the modules by a certified pro (trainer), who has not only read the book, but has actually used the tools he or she is teaching you, in a professional environment - not only do they have the knowledge of how the toolset works, but they have real life experience using the tools.

So, it's so much more than just: "This is a picture of what the slip tool looks like in the book, ain't it pretty?" Usually, if you are sensitive enough to the suggestions, there's a freebie tucked in - as a value-added bonus - on how they have used it on a production (how it really changed their workflow, and they were able to go home early, because of this tool).

A separate issue altogether is that the mere knowledge of the fact that such a tool exists (instead of: "NO, Final Cut can't do that") is enough for you to go and scratch through your class notes, and try and remember the really cool thing your trainer said.

This is the exact reason that I attended a training class in 2005. I had bought a FCP suite and had to hire an operator who knew the application, since I was working a different solution at the time. After getting tired of hearing "No, Final Cut can't do that", I signed up for the course, and I have never looked back.

What you get from attending formal training

So here's what you get from attending a formal training session:

1. You get to see the application work in the way it was designed to - not just do what you managed to figure out by sitting in-front of the machine and staring at the screen.

2. You get to know the shortcuts, and find something else to do with your left hand... other than holding your cup of coffee.

3. You get to stretch your thinking outside of your comfort zone - get exposed to some tools that you didn't know existed, and then you get to know how to use them - cool!

4. You get to step outside of your own little world, and hear what other creative people are doing.

5. If you are brave enough, you get to interact with other creatives, and bounce ideas around of how to tackle that problem you are wrestling with.

6. You get to go home early for the remainder of the job you are working at, as you are now empowered, equipped, efficient, and have finished the job by 3pm, instead of 6pm.

7. You get excited about your work again, because you are trying new things, and you have upped your game.

8. You get to impress the boss or client, make her smile, and make her want to work with you again, since you now have a creative opinion and something to offer other than "No Final Cut Pro can't do that!".

9. You get the promotion, because you rock at your job, and they appoint an junior editor to do the silly jobs that you hated. You've become an asset to the team and people start to care about what you have to say.
   

The choice is yours

These are but a few reasons why you should consider investing in your skill set. The alternative? You can remain exactly where you are... doing the same things you did yesterday... feeling the same way you feel!