Co-operative Education Youth Training
In line with our youth-centered initiatives, we have partnered with Alternative Public High school intending to assist students in their pursuit of magnifying his or her existing comprehension, whether it be theoretical or practical, in media and technology, as well as encouraging his or her curiosity and development in other adjacent and intersecting spheres of activity such as in information technology (IT), photography, animation, graphic design, video editing, and sound and light engineering. To facilitate the introduction to the fields above, employees of BIA Media observe and assess a student’s aptitude in his or her expressed interest in whichever area of interest by accompanying his or her work under development.
Once students enter our co-operative educational program, they are given a tour of our office and then given important information about the workspace, equipment, dress code, and any necessary items to bring. We then introduced them to our assigned staff to integrate them into our organizational culture properly. Within our orientation, students are introduced to a professional environment of an office and are given strict office guidelines, and are briefed on our code of conduct and usual activities. While at their desk, the use of personal electronic devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets) is strictly prohibited. However, interactions and conversations relating to matters outside his or her assigned duties are tolerated only while on breaks (or other moments of intermission). In the event of absenteeism (or tardiness), students have access to the office’s contact information, and thus, we expect to be alerted of any unforeseen circumstances. If students exhibit a repeated disregard for our openly shared and thus known guidelines and regulations, a notice will be sent to the school liaison about that student’s unacceptable conduct.
Post-orientation days are divided into two sections; section one is devoted to assigning tasks, and the other is meant to equipping students with hands-on applications in media production. Here, we are laying the foundation upon which students will eventually build a repertoire of beneficial and valuable and upgradable skills. We begin obligatory entry-level computer work, such as data entry, CRM (customer relationship management), and the like to students, in order to gradually measure his or her:
- dedication to initiate and develop his or her skills in order to help in the creation deliver quality work;
- discipline to focus on the tasks at hand and avoid unnecessary distractions and needless interruptions;
- independence and confidence his or her abilities and judgment to proceed without always needing to seek approval; and,
- eagerness to absorb essential theoretical information and then correctly apply it to the task or challenge at hand.
Additionally, it also familiarizes them with the day-to-day activities of a functional business and the associated demeanor that is demanded of them. Once students have sufficiently assimilated and adjusted themselves to the workflow, and displayed a consistent work ethic, ability to follow given instructions, and actively participates in his or her acquisition and development) of new skills, they are permitted to transition away from “learner” and enter a co-worker status.
As a co-worker, students are more engaged and active in ongoing contacts, customer service operations, and delivery of services. Here, insightful interjections and deliberations relevant to the issues at hand are always appreciated. As it allows them the leeway to mention specific details (or approaches) that were not thought of (or perhaps prematurely discarded), and as a result, gives them the means to actualize their work to the best of their current (and future) abilities.
Phase 2 is centered on acquiring practical hands-on experience with audio & visual equipment and serves as a gateway through which the youth can explore the vast realm of media, express themselves creatively and participate in BIA Media’s productions. In this phase, students work alongside BIA Media staff to complete a project already in progress. Students are involved in the entire media production process, from initial interactions with clients to planning, logistics, pricing arrangements, timeline approximation, conceptualization, and the final delivery of the project, which can include the production of live events.
Here, students dive deeper into the many software and online tools our staff use to create video animations, motion graphics, lower thirds, dynamic backgrounds. It also includes other logistics such as digital platform accommodation, stage setup and prep, broadcasting destination (if the project’s conclusion is a live event).
We assign them a project with a specific theme and develop it to completion to engage students further. Once completed, we assess the work and determine whether it is satisfactory, and if it is, then another project is given to them with a deadline and milestone to meet. However, this new project gives them complete creative control and allows all necessary equipment to be at their disposal. Of course, our staff assigned to our students are available to aid if they request it.
As per our mandate, our program aims to instill youth with a proper expectation of a professional environment, which include (but are not limited to): punctuality, good work ethic, adaptability, resourcefulness, troubleshooting, teamwork, accountability, and discipline. We cultivate such traits by anchoring them in a work environment that nurtures their growth through mentorship, assignments that gradually challenge their abilities, and adaptability. We strive to mold them into competent workers for employers or skilled individuals seeking prosperity on their terms.