The Art Institute of Vancouver’s Structured Work Experience and Training (SWEAT) Program provides students with valuable work experience in a simulated work environment. B.C. high school students must complete 30 hours of work experience as part of their graduation requirements. However, many students are interested in a career in an area that is difficult to access. While some students are able to secure relevant placements, often their experience is not indicative of the challenges employees encounter in the field. SWEAT provides a valuable option for these students.

Students choose their area of interest from a wide array of industry areas: design, media arts, entertainment, fashion and culinary. Students are not passive observers – they are required to participate hands-on and are guided by faculty members who are industry professionals on a project from concept to final product. Students use industry-related technology in a facility that bridges the gap between education and industry. Faculty members guide them through the collaborative process, mirroring the work environment that an employee might find in the industry. In addition, faculty members discuss with students the realities of working in their areas of interest. The students will:

Demonstrate effective communication skills
- demonstrate an understanding of and speak the languages in which business is conducted
- listen to understand and learn
- read, comprehend and use written materials, including graphs, charts and displays
- utilize technology effectively as a vehicle for communication

Demonstrate critical thinking skills
- think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems and make decisions
- locate, gather and organization information using appropriate technology, instruments, tools and information systems
- access and apply specialized knowledge

Demonstrate positive and professional behaviors
- demonstrate self-esteem and confidence
- demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning and growth
- demonstrate initiative, energy, and persistence to get the job done

Demonstrate responsibility and adaptability
- demonstrate ability to set goals and priorities
- demonstrate the ability to plan and manage time and other resources to achieve goals
- demonstrate accountability for actions taken
- demonstrate adaptability
- demonstrate a positive attitude toward change
- demonstrate the ability to identify and suggest new ideas to get the job done-----creativity
- learn from mistakes and accept feedback

Demonstrate effective teamwork skills
- demonstrate ability to work with others
- demonstrate an understanding of and work within the culture of the group
- plan and make decisions with others and support the outcomes
- respect the thoughts and opinions of others in the group
- exercise "give and take" to achieve group results
- lead where appropriate, mobilizing the group for high performance
- manage and resolve conflict when appropriate

Participate in Projects and Tasks
- plan, design and carry out a project from start to finish with well-defined objectives and outcomes
- develop a plan, seek feedback, test, revise and implement
- select and use appropriate tools and technology for a task or project
- adapt to changing requirements and information
- continuously monitor the success of a project or task and identify ways to improve