National Female Pre-Tech Training – Week 1 Day 1 Report

The second edition of the National Female Pre Tech Training program began today 1st March 2021 at the academy. The training session brought together twenty women. The class began with an ice breaker game; two truths, one lie to help participants network and also get to know each other better. Their trainer, Mr Jerry Aidoo welcomed the participants and delivered a presentation on how their six weeks training would be structured going forward. He highlighted that all participants are expected to fully participate in all scheduled training sessions to make this cohort a success. 

Jerry Aidoo, the Media Officer for Soronko Academy delivered training on “What is Digital Media: the trends and importance of digital media?”. He defined Digital media as any kind of information broadcast through digital platforms including electronic media, mobile phones, computers, the internet, radio broadcast, podcasts, and user applications among others. The trainees also had the opportunity to explore the various trends and business readily available in the digital sector. Social media Marketing, UI/UX Design, Copywriting, Blogging, Developer, Photography, Graphic design, Videography, and Advertisement were among the businesses mentioned. 

According to the trainer, Digital media helps companies connect with their target audience to increase sales and reach. Mr Jerry Aidoo used the National Female Pre-Tech call for application to explain how the use of digital media increases reach and reduces cost as compared to print media such as billboards. The flexibility of digital media allows designers space and relevance to edit, redesign and manage contents before and after final submission.

As part of the sessions, the class was taken through Graphic Design and tools for making content designs. Graphic Design is visual communication and the aesthetic expression of concepts and ideas using various graphic elements and tools. A Graphic design can be image-based; involving photos, illustrations, logos and symbols, type-based designs, or a combination of both techniques. Jerry explained to the students that to be a good Graphic Designer, one must possess these work traits; Time management skills, keeps learning, constantly looking for inspiration, taking criticisms, and Problem Solving etc. The class was interactive as students were sharing ideas on how they time manage their business activities and home. As a Graphic Designer, it is key to understand the meaning and use of various tools used in the design. These tools include software tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, XD, Dreamweaver etc), Hardware/Digital (Computer or pen tablet), and traditional tools or materials (pen, pencil, sketchpad, notebook, brushes, or paper graph book). 

In closing, the ladies played a game of Kahoot, to recap the lesson learned on Digital Media and Graphic Design. The training team encouraged participants to be punctual as the ultimate success of the program rested on their commitment and attendance.