HEART/NSTA Trust Students Tour JIS, Explore Media Careers

Students of the HEART/NSTA Trust received a first-hand look at careers in the media and communications field during a recent production tour of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

The visit gave students enrolled in the Multimedia Production Level 2 programme at the Newport campus in Manchester an opportunity to see how their classroom training is applied in a diverse media organisation.

HEART/NSTA Trust instructor, André Adams, said the programme exposes students to a range of production areas while building practical, transferable skills for further training and careers in the industry.

Areas covered include videography, photography, camera operation, lighting, audio production, video editing and live streaming.

Mr. Adams told JIS News, “I wanted the students to experience a professional media environment and see how the skills they are developing are applied in the real world. JIS plays an important role in public communication and produces content across television, radio and digital platforms.

“I had a previous group visit, and the impact it had on them was tremendous, so I hoped the visit would broaden the current students’ understanding of the industry, motivate them and help them connect their classroom training with actual career opportunities,” he said.

The tour began with an overview of JIS’s history and mandate, followed by visits to several areas of the agency, including Public Relations and Marketing, Social Media, Radio and Television. The students observed equipment in use and spoke with staff involved in producing content for JIS’s various platforms.

They were also given guidance on entering the media industry, keeping pace with emerging trends, strengthening their competitiveness and continuing to build their skills.

Mr. Adams said the visit also helped to reinforce what students are taught in the classroom.

“When students see professionals applying these same principles, the lessons become more meaningful. It helps them understand that the techniques, standards and working practices taught in the programme are directly connected to the expectations of the industry as well as the importance to maintain the standards taught as it relates to safety and or professionalism,” he pointed out.

He noted that “in the classroom, we can teach the principles and provide practical exercises but visiting JIS allowed the students to observe a complete professional workflow. They can see how different departments collaborate, how equipment is used in a working studio and how content moves from planning and production to editing and broadcast”.

“They also get to learn directly from professionals who work in the industry every day and have an opportunity to speak with them, gain insight, motivation and be able to form networks outside of the classroom setting and seeing first-hand an attainable goal,” he added.

Mr. Adams said opportunities to engage with the industry can help bridge the gap between training and employment.

“It allows students to understand workplace expectations, learn from experienced professionals and begin building confidence through portfolios and professional networks and mentors. These experiences can also help them identify the areas in which they are most interested and make more informed decisions about their career path,” he noted.

He expressed hope that the engagement between HEART/NSTA Trust and JIS will develop into a lasting partnership “creating continued opportunities for tours, practical workshops, mentorship, job shadowing, work experience and collaborative productions as well as creative competitions/festivals. These activities would give trainees greater exposure to professional standards, equipment, workflows and workplace expectations”.