COMPETITION Descriptions – INTERMEDIATE

Animation is the conceptualization and creation of characters and models used in storytelling.

Studying Animation you teach how to communicate personality, emotions and behaviour with various conceptual, aesthetic and technical approaches. Starting with traditional analogue illustration, you will then take your concepts digitally through the use of popular industry programs.

Computer animators use software such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, or Adobe Animate to produce animation for film, television and video. Specific examples of their creative work ranges from video games, television shows, computer simulations and educational modules to special effects for movies, websites and advertising.

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Graphic design offers a wide variety of career options as the skills involved are highly transferable. These professionals are responsible for enhancing the visual impact of reports, publications, advertising, commercials, videos, posters and digital media. Working on computers with specialized software programs, they use images, print styles and visual effects to communicate their message clearly and persuasively. Specific examples of the work done by desktop publishers range from designing corporate logos and letterhead, to creating store counter displays, banners and posters, to designing titles, credits and graphics for film and television. 

In graphic designing you work closely and extensively with your clients to create a product that is both visually appealing and able to fulfill the clients’ requirements. From estimating the cost of materials and time needed to complete the project to determining the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect, the ability to listen to and understand your clients’ vision is essential to your success. 

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Hairdressers help people to look and feel their best. They may be asked to curl, wave, perm, bleach, tint or dye a customer’s hair, or merely to cut and style it. 

Each appointment begins with a consultation with the customer, to find out what they want done to their hair and offer potential options. They may suggest a hairstyle compatible with the client’s physical features, or determine the best style from the client’s instructions and preferences. 

To complete the appointment, hairdressers advise patrons on how to care for their hair, discuss any problems and recommend appropriate hygiene and styling practices. Before starting on the next customer, they always clean and sanitize their hairdressing equipment. 

As styles continually change and evolve, hairdressers must also continue to upgrade and learn new skills to keep up with new trends, products and styles. This training may involve travelling to attend conventions and hair shows, or taking short courses at private styling schools.

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There are few skills more important for securing work than the ability to impress a prospective employer during a job interview. Before setting out to market yourself, you must have a good knowledge of the product you are trying to promote. When hiring new staff, employers are generally looking for not only specific qualities related to the job, but also for a variety of general skills and abilities that you probably already possess. Think about what you have done in the past and all of the experiences you have had in different areas, then write it down and organize it in an effective manner. Transferable skills, such as interpersonal communications, organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities, can be applied to many different jobs. 

Practice interview questions with a friend before going to the interview and prepare a list of relevant questions that you would like to ask your prospective employer. Take letters of recommendation, a copy of your resume and references to the interview. Answer all questions clearly and distinctly while stressing your qualifications. Act positively and confidently: the right attitude helps to convince the employer that you are the best person for the job. Be prepared to explain how the employer can benefit by hiring you, and you will leave the impression that you are the employee they are looking for. Finally, be sure to thank the interviewer and shake hands when the interview is over.

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The ability to perform effective technical demonstrations is an important skill for everyone to possess. Students are required to do this throughout their academic years, as special school projects often have to be presented to classmates and teachers. These types of demonstrations are also necessary in the workforce, whether you are giving an update to a project team, making a sales presentation to a client, or trying to convince your supervisor of the validity of a proposal. This skill is invaluable no matter what your career aspirations.  

Completing a well thought out and detailed demonstration can give you confidence in yourself and your abilities. In preparation, you should thoroughly research your topic and make notes on what you need to cover, so that you won’t forget anything. Using your props, practice what you are going to say and do several times to avoid problems later on. Being organized will invariably make the technical demonstration flow more smoothly and aid you in effectively delivering the information you are trying to convey. Be sure to speak in a clear and concise manner in a tone of voice with varying pitch as you describe step by step the skill that you are demonstrating, so that your audience will not only be able to understand you but will also stay interested. 

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A photographer uses various techniques, such as enhancing lighting or using specialized filters or lenses, to set the scene for film or digital photographs. Photographers who shoot digital images then upload them to a computer, while those who use film cameras outsource their film for processing or develop it themselves. Photographers also use computer software to modify images, such as cropping them or correcting their color. 

Photographers may focus their work on a particular specialty, like portrait photography, wedding photography, artistic photography, scientific photography, or industrial photography. 

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Public speaking is the process of speaking to an audience in a deliberate way so that you inform, influence, or entertain. The ability to communicate effectively is a critical skill in today’s workplace. Potential employers are looking for employees who have a variety of general skills and abilities. Transferable skills, such as interpersonal communications, organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities, can be applied to many different jobs. Effective public speaking occurs when a speaker is well organized and confident to present the substance of the speech to an audience. The main idea of your speech is referred to as the thesis. This is often one sentence that uses specific language, a single idea, and is audience centered. The main body of your speech must be focused upon the thesis or main topic. Reading from a prepared speech is a formal way to deliver your message. This is also viewed as effective when your desire is to control your speech content. In this instance, the speaker must be careful to not jeopardize spontaneity and conversational elements. 

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A career in television and video production offers ample opportunity to move from entry-level positions to a variety of specialties. Newcomers to the business often start out performing duties such as lighting, staging and recording, or operating camera dollies and microphone booms. Mid-level positions include developing and editing film, producing storyboards, and videotaping or audio recording on tape or disc. Experienced and talented individuals may eventually produce, direct or supervise radio and TV programs, films or theatrical performances. 

 Often viewed as a glamorous profession, most of the work available in this field takes place behind the scenes, involving audio, video, lighting, set design, producing and directing. There is a high demand for skilled workers in these highly technical occupations, which are found in many industries and are continually growing due to changes in technology. Those who are successful have a passion for their work and are willing to work long hours under stressful conditions. 

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Inspectors in this unit group evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to control risks in the workplace. They inspect restaurants, public facilities, industrial establishments, municipal water systems and other workplaces to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control, the handling and storage of hazardous substances and workplace safety. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors. 

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CO₂ dragsters are cars used by miniature racing cars which are propelled by a carbon dioxide cartridge, pierced to start the release of the gas, and which race on a 20 metre track. They are frequently used to demonstrate mechanical principles such as mass, force, acceleration, or aerodynamics. Two hooks (eyelets or screw eyes) linked to a fishing line on the bottom of the car prevent the vehicle from losing control during launch. In a race, senors records the time taken to reach the end of the track. Often, the dragster is carved out of balsa wood because of its light weight.