Students Shine On Camera and Behind the Scenes During Digital Marketing Pre-Apprenticeship Camp

From creating content to filming, editing, and marketing, nine students from Bayside Community School and North County Tech Academy were introduced to the world of digital media at the Digital Marketing Pre-Apprenticeship Camp.

The six-week camp connected students with partner Fishtank Productions, introduced them to multiple stages of filmmaking, provided an immersive opportunity practicing live and taped interviews at the San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) iTV Studios, and taught them about digital marketing. As part of their participation, students received credit in the Career Technical Education audio production or video production pathway. 

“This is something I never knew even existed. I’ve learned a lot today. I didn’t know this was a job, but I would be interested in a job like this, definitely,” said Josue, a junior at Bayside Community School after touring the iTV studios.

The camp culminated with a film screening for fellow students and guests, as well as a question and answer session to discuss the creative process.

North County Tech Academy’s short film focused on climate change and its growing effects on the world around us while Bayside Community School generated a promotional video on the school’s graphic design opportunities. 

When asked if the team experienced any difficulties during the experience, Keith, a sophomore at North County Tech Academy said, “Honestly, even though it was new, I felt like it wasn’t really a struggle. I feel like this was something I could continue pursuing in the future.”

Jesus, also a sophomore at North County Tech Academy, added that he’d recommend the pre-apprenticeship camp experience to his friends and classmates, “Take the challenge – you will like [the program] and you will feel proud of it in the end and it’ll be useful in the future.”

“My students were excited about this opportunity from day one because the video camp was put together so well,” said Bayside Teacher Michael Fennick. “The professionalism displayed by the Innovation team combined with the expertise shared by Fishtank Productions and iTV inspired my students to reach production levels they may never have thought they could attain. My students gained a fantastic experience and with that the confidence and inspiration to continue refining their skills in both video and audio production.” 

The digital marketing pre-apprenticeship program is in the process of receiving state certification from the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards, which will make it SDCOE’s second state-certified program after culinary arts. Clear Digital Labs, the program’s registered apprenticeship partner, will help provide students who have completed the program with job placement assistance, ensuring their applications receive priority review and consideration.

“Because they felt intrigued, valued, and empowered, my students’ devotion toward attending every camp session and producing a quality final video project was significant,” Fennick said. “That type of buy-in toward a project and the positive outcomes that resulted, increases their confidence to try out other future opportunities that may come their way,” he said.