Hi, Robin I was just cruising by and saw your post.
And yes it is possible to go from floor sweeper to
a real job. I know because i did it. 2 1/2 years ago
I started working for a small production studio here
in No. Hollywood Ca. I started out sweeping floors &
maintaining equipment. I worked my way up to editing
( The Isreal Today Show ) running camera on a national
informercial ( Ingles Sin Barreras ) and doing music
videos for some of the local yocals. The key for me was
to always be available, and I mean always. Because a lot
of smaller production houses use a lot of free lancers
who are  not always available. If they know you are 
willing to be there for them they in turn will take the
time to train you as a back up for their first string
people. But that OK bcause you'll be getting training
you could never get in a classroom . 
               Hope this helps.
               George Marquez
--- FLAME v1.0
---------------