A L ittle SWEAT Goes a Long Way

High school students from across the province are getting ready to roll-up their sleeves and work up a sweat at the 2008 Structured Work Experience and Training program (SWEAT) offered by The Art Institute of Vancouver. From March 24th to the 27th, students will spend 30 intense hours in simulated professional production teams at the school's three Lower Mainland locations.

In 2005, 476 students from 135 high schools enrolled - that is quadruple the number of students in the program when it was first offered in 1999 as part of a commitment to assist BC students in completing their work-study requirements. Working in production teams under the guidance of SWEAT instructors, Grade 11 and 12 students get hands-on experience and a taste of what it's like to be employed in the design, media arts, entertainment, fashion and culinary sectors. This year, schools from the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, the Valley, Vancouver Island and even Alberta will be sending students to participate.

Last year Kieran Bacon, a grade 12 student at Timberline Secondary, travelled all from Campbell River to take part in the Game Level Design program. “I like the teaching quality,” she said. An avid gamer, Bacon chose the to learn more about the game production industry. “The teacher does a really good job of giving us an idea about what the full post secondary program would be like.” Bacon hopes to enter The Art Institute of Vancouver directly in the fall when he graduates.

Moscrop Secondary student Jessica Martin was part of the Fashion Design group and was equally thrilled with the SWEAT program. “I am loving it,” she beamed. “I wanted to learn the basics of fashion to see if this was an area I wanted to pursue… Over the four days I have been here, I have decided that this is my future.” After graduation the Burnaby senior said she plans to apply to The Art Institute of Vancouver to study fashion.

Every year at the end of the program, students present their work – which varies from short films and visual effects demos to acting performances – as part of an open house for parents and friends.

Cliff Jones, Director of Public Relations and SWEAT 2008 coordinator, says that every year the combination of enthusiasm and dedication shown by students exceeds the school's expectations. “The program provides a learning experience that is constructive and practical, but also fun. We try to inspire students and help them explore the career options available to them.”

The Art Institute of Vancouver is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 36 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

For more information about this program, please contact SWEAT 2008 coordinator, Cliff Jones at 604-639-5117 or email cjones@edmc.edu.