BTVI’s Media Tech program is one of over 40 programs offered at the institution. Veteran broadcaster, Carlton Smith, is credited with developing the program which currently has 55 students. Shown seated are spring 2021 graduate, Andrew Laroda (l) and current student, Mario Neilly. Standing is adjunct instructor, Alexia Coakley, who is also a Digital Media and Production Consultant.
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The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Media Technology program (BTVI) has been described as a “little known gem” that is helping its students to keep pace with an ever-changing media landscape.
The hands-on program seeks to develop students to be on the cutting edge of the creative and competitive field of media technology. They are exposed to a blend of theoretical and practical training in video, television and audio production. Intake into the program began in 2017.
Adjunct instructor, Alexia Coakley noted that the program has been developed based on industry demand.
“It was born of the vision that this institution needed something to address the gap they saw, which was marrying the electronics and technology side with media and communication. With the transition of technical equipment, putting equipment in the hands of people to actually create and get their content out there has never been easier,” said Ms. Coakley.
“Since the pandemic, with social media, you’re able to now harness all this potential and put it out there in a timely manner, so what we as instructors seek to do, is to bring that real-world experience to the classroom and equip these students,” said Ms. Coakley, who is a Digital Media and Production Consultant.
BTVI offers a certificate, diploma and associate of applied science degree in Media Tech. Among the courses offered are Television Production, Interactive Media Production, Intro to Broadcasting, Broadcasting Transmission, Video Production and Audio Production, with career options including Audio or Video Technician, Videographer, Audio Editor and/or a Producer.
Meanwhile veteran broadcaster, Carlton Smith, is credited with developing the program, which is driven by industry professionals such as Y98.7 radio personality and former Tribune Media Group, Operations Manager, Anthony Coakley; Engineer and former Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) executive, Dr. Waldon Russell; Founder and Creative Director at Hilltop Designs, Shavanti Smith and Public Hospitals Authority, Chief Photographer in Corporate Communications at the Public Hospitals Authority, Zhivargo McPhee. Chair of BTVI’s Electronics and Media Technology is Delano Archer.
“They’re actually out there working, so they are able to bring their experiences into the environment, take the studies off the page and really make it a practical experience for students…the more exposure we can give our students, the better chances they have at actually fulfilling some of the careers in the sector. At BTVI, the aim is to equip people to get out there and perform,” said Ms. Coakley.
Andrew Laroda completed the program in spring 2021. He said the program was helpful to him personally and professionally.
“The program was amazing. I’m an artist as well and since I do music, it actually helped me with recordings, including music videos,” said Mr. Laroda.
Meanwhile, Mario Neilly is one of 55 students currently enrolled in the program.
“I feel comfortable with whatever I do in production. I feel in the future, I can become a Technical Director, a Producer, a Camera Operator or even a host,” he said.
BTVI’s Media Tech industry partners include Cable Bahamas, the Movi Group, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, and Commonwealth Brewery.
The Media Tech program is one of over 40 programs offered at BTVI.
