Students across the country experienced the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption first-hand with changes and uncertainty in schooling this year, however some CEWA students have also turned their focus to local businesses affected by the economic consequences of the virus.
At John Paul College, the Certificate II Creative Industries class looked at how they could use the skills they were learning to assist businesses by producing commercials.
With the support of the Kalgoorlie Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the class offered their services to businesses in the community, with six taking up the offer, including a hotel, pressure cleaning business, a home care and assistance service, and a party supplies company.
Kalgoorlie Monumental Works owner, Mr Ken Ball, also chose to be a part of the project, with students working on an advert that helped him tell the story of why creating memorial monuments was important and rewarding work.
Creative Industries Teacher, Marty Withnell, said that the students gained valuable experience through creating the videos, with two versions produced for each client – a 30-second commercial suitable for TV, and a longer version which the businesses could share on social media.
“It’s very important to give students experience, rather than just talking about it,” Mr Withnell said.
“The COVID virus came along and slowed down business, so we’re just helping them out, and at the same time we’re doing something very educational,” he said.