Skills & Talents Areas General Details

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Tistalents Logo

what is your talent
Most conveniently we work for ourselves rather than stay stuck in the world game of working for others our entire lives. But we are often limited by sponsorship (pecuniary constraint) and do not nurture our inherent talents to move past the normal; beyond the work-work-for, and seek-for-employment paradigm.
3D Animation Skill
There is a paradigm shift now ladies and gentlemen that will change your lives from rag to riches. It is simple; register to participate in the Skills and Talents contest, projects/tasks bidding, services (your skills/talents) rendering and make cool cash.

Get started now: follow the menu on top of the page grab your rewards.

Article Contest

Write an article based on the poll topic, submit it here and get voted for.

You just might be the next winner. There is no such thing as luck only works. Do not forget to select the “Article Contest Participation” Category to avoid disqualification

SUBMIT  YOUR ARTICLE HERE

 

Photo Contest

Insert your best photo taken, designed, or selfie, you could be the next winner for the photo contest!!!

Do not forget to select the “Photo Contest Participation” Category to avoid disqualification

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE FOR THE CONTEST

 

  Video Contest

Please upload videos pertinent to the latest video contest news and category according to the contest poll topic on the Live Contest page.

Do not forget to include your details, and  to select the “Video Contest Participation” Category to avoid disqualification

SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO HERE AND JOIN THE CONTEST

The following areas are our talents areas. Titles may differ but each category may be chosen as numbered hereunder. Hence, before participation, please read the requirement very well as voters shall be presented with those criteria.

1.     3-D Visualization and Animation

The world of 3D is rapidly expanding, and career opportunities exist in a wide range of fields – including architecture, games, product and industrial design, civil engineering, and film and television animation. This contest allows Participants to step into a real-world 3D production environment where creative output must be accomplished within specific timeframes, resources and design constraints. This is a two-person team event and includes a preliminary written exam. Contestants must produce high-quality images and an animated short subject using 3D computerized images. Participants are evaluated on their technical knowledge, production skills and creative abilities – including visual development and storyboarding. They will also have the opportunity to interface with and get feedback from high-profile judges with successful careers in 3D visualization and animation.

2.     Action Skills

A five- to a seven-minute demonstration of an occupational skill in an area in which a participant is training or working professionally. Contestants should use examples, experiments, displays or practical operations to clearly explain their skills using contestant-prepared visual aids.

3.     Additive Manufacturing (Demonstration)

Additive manufacturing embraces a wide range of materials and derivative processes building parts suitable for end-use service. The virtually unlimited design freedom enabled by additive manufacturing allows the creation of shapes and the integration of features and functions that previously required subassemblies. Employment opportunities for creative individuals are growing while the industry adopts AM methods. Ready access to workstations and service providers makes the Internet a growing marketplace for public AM gadgets.

4.     Advertising Design

Tests technical skills and creative aptitude are just as though contestants worked for an ad agency. In addition to a written test, competitors will re-create a given advertisement on the computer. Competitors are judged on their accuracy, proficiency with industry-standard software and ability to meet the given deadline. Contestants also compete in a creative portion of the competition. The creative portion involves the application of creative thinking and the development of a design problem. Layout, drawing and illustration skills are used, as well as their ability to create vibrant, effective designs using the computer.

5.     African Spirit – Historical, Technological and Political Perspectives

Tistalents Documentation of service, patriotism and citizenship, and promotion of career and technical education projects that demonstrate a belief in the African way of life and the purposes of Tistalents.

Many are talented but on those who nurture their talents come to the limelight. And we are committed to ensuring these talents are not dead and buried with their possessors.

Here you should write about one of the following topics with PowerPoint demonstration or video Clips for people to evaluate and vote on any of the following topics  as shall be instructed in the Live Contest Event:

  1. What is the impact of historical background on the technological advancement and politics of your nation?
  2. What should we do to ensure better patriotism, service and citizenship as it affects politics, ethnicity and technology growth?
  3. What is the best culture to adopt for a united Afro-economic growth?

6.     Architectural Drafting

Contestants will use their drafting skills to solve an Architectural problem. The problem includes a written test, a hand sketch, and drawings EITHER computer-generated or board drafted. If board drafting, please bring all necessary equipment. The contest tests the contestants’ problem-solving abilities, not simply their CAD skills.

7.     Audio/Radio Production

Participants will produce (plan, write, voice, record, edit, render, etc.) a 5-minute radio production such as a PSA, NPR style soundscape, sound-rich/NPR style news story, sound & interview only news story, etc. A 30-Second Ad Spot will be produced and inserted into the production. The complete production requires Participants to demonstrate their ability to plan a project that meets a specific prompt & run time; gather, edit and mix a variety of audio sources; and finally, render the completed project to a specified audio file.

8.     Automated Manufacturing Technology

The contest evaluates teams for employment in integrated manufacturing technology fields of computer-aided drafting/design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical controlled machining (CNC). CAD operators construct the part geometry; the CAM operator generates the tool paths; the CNC operator sets up and machines the part. Plotting is not a scored event; however, the contestants must be able to generate a plot file that will be used to send their data to the plotter.

9.     Automotive Refinishing Technology

Contestants will demonstrate the ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The competition includes a series of workstations to assess skills in the following areas: surface preparation, spray gun operation, paint mixing, matching and applying, solving paint applications problems, determining finish defects, causes and cures and utilizing safety precautions.

10.  Automotive Service Technology

Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Workstations consist of on-vehicle, simulations, bench and component testing. Contestants will be judged on technical competency, accuracy, quality, safety and ability to follow directions.

11.  Aviation Maintenance Technology

Contestants perform 12 tasks that represent the types of maintenance they will handle in the aircraft industry. The contest scope is consistent with the airframe and power plant mechanics certification guide published by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aviation maintenance is the only maintenance profession certified by the federal government.

12.  Basic Health Care Skills

Contestants will demonstrate their knowledge and ability to perform entry-level procedures or skills based on the following list of core standards: Academic Foundations, Communication Skills, Career Opportunity Concepts and Systems, Employability and Teamwork, Ethical and Legal Issues, Safety Practices. The performance will be evaluated through various stations involving written, verbal and skills testing. References: Diversified Health Occupations, Seventh Edition by Louis Simmers, Thomson-Delmar Learning and National Health Care Foundation Standards.

13.  Broadcast News Production

The contest is comprised of four student members. Two Participants serve as the news anchor team, one student will serve as the team’s director/technical director, and one student will serve as the floor director. Each team will have two hours to write and produce their rundown before the assigned contest time. Teams will produce and complete a three-minute newscast as if it were live. Teams are evaluated on their broadcast writing ability, voice quality, diction, timing and pacing and performance techniques.

14.  Building Maintenance

Participants will demonstrate competencies related to the building maintenance trade. Participants will be expected to compete in a higher level of mastery areas considering the fact that the contest is a national event. These areas will include but are not limited to, carpet care, office and restroom cleaning, floor care and liquid measurement.

15.  Cabinetmaking

Requires the building of a small cabinet from materials and drawings supplied. Contestants are expected to read the drawings, layout and cut the parts using a table saw, laminate trimmer, hand drill, hinge boring machine and various hand tools. The parts must be accurately assembled, sanded and adjusted to tolerances specified by the judges.

16.  Career Pathways Showcase

Student teams will use their course of study as the basis of a project that will benefit their class, school, community or industry. The project must highlight an aspect of their career cluster training. Upon completion of the project, the Participants will develop a display and use it within their community to explain their training and their project. This contest will judge mastery of their training, its application, the project’s benefit to their community, and display and presentation techniques.

17.  Carpentry

Contestants will frame walls using wood and or metal steel studs, cut and install rafters, gable end overhangs, fascia board and soffit installation install sheathing and or exterior siding and trim. Demonstration of knowledge of stair construction is required. Contestants will be judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials.

18.  Customer Service

Evaluates Participants’ proficiency in providing customer service. The contest involves live, role-playing situations. Contestants demonstrate their ability to perform customer service in both written and oral forms including telephone and computer skills, communications, problem-solving, conflict resolution and business etiquette.

19.  Diesel Equipment Technology

Contestants cycle through fourteen stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, power train systems including chassis, transmissions and carriers. Contestants also demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundamental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conditioning systems and general shop skills.

20.  Digital Cinema Production

To evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding Participants for excellence and professionalism in the cinematography/short film production. The contest will be divided into four portions: a written exam that will assess knowledge in industry standards, a storyboard assignment to be completed in teams of two people, an interview with 1 or more judges and a short video (4.5 to 5 minutes) that will be filmed and edited on-site. (meaning all work must be done between contest briefing and designated turn in time) All footage must be acquired after the contest has begun and must be filmed within the areas specified by the field assignment.

21.  Early Childhood Education

Contestants will demonstrate their knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and their ability to prepare and implement learning activities for children 3 to 5 years old. Contestants will prepare a written lesson plan and take a written test assessing their knowledge of child development and effective teaching strategies. They will demonstrate their understanding of the unique age-related learning characteristics of young children and the relevant social interactions as they implement the lesson.

22.  Electrical Construction Wiring

Contestants are required to complete a written test of questions formulated from the latest edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), a practical conduit bending exercise and hands-on installation of a conduit system, cabling system and wiring devices. Working from drawings and specification sheets, contestants are required to install an electrical system common in most residential and light commercial projects. Judging is based on general workmanship, the accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current NEC and standard industry safe practices.

23.  Electronics Technology

The contest is divided into five sections: customer service exam, written exam, soldering, bread-boarding and troubleshooting. Contestants’ will demonstrate their knowledge of analogue and digital circuitry; ability to troubleshoot electronic circuits; ability to construct and test experimental circuits; and, ability to design and select circuit components. All aspects of the competition test contestants’ abilities to use and calibrate electronic equipment, record and organize data, and demonstrate proper safety practices.

24.  Engineering Technology/Design

A team of three Participants demonstrates their ability to design an innovative engineering project and present those ideas along with a display and live model. During the presentation, participants are judged on their performance as a professional team, presentation of their project to voters who are the panel of judges from the engineering field, their storyboard presentation model, and the overall effect of the presentation.

25.  Entrepreneurship

A team event testing Participants’ knowledge in starting their own businesses by developing business plans that identify needed products or services in a local market. Emphasis is placed on financial planning and the practicality of product/service. Teams give oral presentations based upon their written plans and the team must successfully answer questions by a team of judges in response to a typical problem encountered by entrepreneurs during their first year of business.

26.  Aesthetics (Esthetics in US English)

The Aesthetics competition evaluates the contestants’ techniques and professionalism in the field of skincare. Participants will be tested in four different areas: an oral skin consultation; a written exam covering the fundamentals of skincare; sanitation; skin analysis; a hands-on basic facial demonstration; and, a daytime and fantasy make-up application.

27.  Extemporaneous Speaking

Requires contestants to give a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with five minutes of advance preparation. Contestants enter the preparation area one at a time where they are given a speech topic. They are judged on voice, mechanics, platform deportment, organization and effectiveness.

28.  Firefighting

The Firefighting contest evaluates the contestant’s preparation for firefighting careers through hands-on skill demonstrations and both written and oral presentations. Areas tested include safety; breathing apparatus; fire streams; ladders, ropes, knots and hoses; fire control; ventilation; emergency medical care and rescue; and protecting fire cause evidence. Contestants are evaluated using standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

29.  Graphic Communications

  1. Student competitors participate in an eight-part contest which includes the following segments in alphabetical order:
  2. Digital Press – using a Ricoh Digital Press and or other available devices, the student will set up the machine for proper file transfer, creating a finished product that may consist of variable data and or inline finishing along with completing a short written test;
  3. Digital Workflow – the student accesses files and follows instructions to perform preflight operations, reviewing and making corrections as needed for correct output;
  4. Electronic Prepress – the student creates a file using Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator on an Apple computer, following instructions to create a file that matches a provided sample;
  5. Finishing – the student operates a Baumcut programmable cutter, properly trimming down a sheet to its finished size, set up a tabletop Baumfolder for a tri-fold and a half-fold and complete a short written test;
  6. Offset Press Operations – using a Heidelberg Printmaster 46-2, the student will set up the feeder and delivery, mount and adjust plates, print two colours on a preprinted two-colour sheet creating a 4-colour finished job; this will be recorded and sent as a video contest, note.
  7. Oral Professional Assessment – the student participates in an interview exercise;
  8. Production Planning – the student will solve a production estimating problem relating to the cost justification of printing a job on a digital press versus an offset press. This area of the contest will be in conjunction with the Digital Press contest;
  9. Technical Knowledge Test – the student completes a general technical knowledge test developed using competencies from the introduction to graphic Communications accreditation area of PRINTED.

30.  Graphic Imaging Sublimation (Demonstration)

Purpose: To rate a contestant’s preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding contestants for excellence and professionalism in the field of graphic imaging. Contestants are tested on their ability to design and print a tile mosaic and then transfer the design to ceramic tile; contestants also decorate coffee and latte mugs, mousepads, and license plates with pre-printed sublimation transfers.

31.  Health Knowledge Bowl

Tests teams of four Participants on their collective knowledge of health occupations. Teams are judged on speed and accuracy answering questions in nine categories: (1) Academic Foundations; (2) Communication; (3) Systems; (4) Employability Skills; (5) Legal Responsibility; (6) Ethics; (7) Safety Practices; (8) Teamwork; and, (9) Health Maintenance.

32.  Health Occupations Professional Portfolio

The Health Occupations Professional Portfolio contest recognizes Participants for their successful development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the Participants to present themselves to a prospective employer. The contestants will show the use of the portfolio uses effective communication skills in presenting. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.

33.  Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR)

The contest includes a series of testing stations designed to assess skills identified by industry HVACR standards. Industry equipment used during the work stations portion of the contest may include but is not limited to: ice machines, refrigerated display cases, small package HVAC units, furnaces and split-system air conditioning and/or heat pump units and geothermal units.

34.  Humanoid Robotics (Demonstration)

Purpose: It is widely believed that, in the future, robots will take over dangerous jobs. Even today robots are used in the military to defuse land mines. Therefore, companies will be looking for talented individuals who can program these robots. In the end, robotics is quickly integrating into modern-day life, creating a safer and more productive world. This event will access Participants’ basic programming knowledge using a humanoid robotics platform. A team of two contestants will be evaluated on their ability to develop, document, execute and deploy a computer program for a humanoid robot to complete a series of tasks. This challenge will recognize outstanding Participants for excellence and professionalism in the fields of HRI – Human-Robot Interaction, Computer Science, Computer Programming, and Robotics.

35.  Industrial Motor Control

Participants demonstrate their knowledge of electrical principles, equipment and industry codes and standards as it relates to the design and installation of motor control systems. Participants demonstrate their skills and abilities in applying that knowledge by properly installing motor control equipment and associated enclosures, raceways, pilot devices and circuitry in accordance with accepted industry practice and National Electric Code requirements.

36.  Information Technology Services (formerly Computer Maintenance)

The competition requires contestants to identify and correct end-user computing issues including configuration problems, operating system failures, boot issues, basic client-side network problems and install common software components. The contest also includes client or customer-facing issues pertaining to intake or resolution of a customer installation or repair. Participants must demonstrate basic ability to configure & secure SOHO networks, manage client-side virtual machines, a basic understanding of Windows registry, use of remote assistance software to support remote clients, comprehensive knowledge of commands, and work with mobile devices.

37.  Interactive Application and Game Development (Demonstration)

Teams must produce an original, high-quality prototype or sample of an interactive multimedia application or video game during the school year immediately preceding the contest deadline. Their production should include concept art and/or storyboards, the sample or prototype itself, an executive overview of the project, and a printed résumé for each team member. Résumés should include the industry experience gained from developing the contest submission, time invested, and the professional and academic relevance to the contestant’s career ambitions.

38.  Internetworking

The contest consists of three main parts–networking design, general networking knowledge and hands-on evaluations. The networking design problem tests a contestant’s ability to design functionality, scalability, adaptability and manageability of an internetworking system. The online written portion tests the student’s complete knowledge of internetworking concepts. The hands-on component demonstrates the abilities of the contestant to make cables, troubleshoot network systems, configure routers, switches and servers, to deliver customer service in a technical assistance centre environment. The contestants will find errors in WAN and LAN networks; do an ISP configuration using routers and switches; talk a technician through an error they are having on their network; and, take an online, certification type test. The national contest is based on the most current CCNA certification. In today’s job market system administration skills are needed, therefore the server skills listed here will be scored: Install DNS, create a record, install active directory service, and DHCP. In addition, contestants should have knowledge of creating user and group accounts on Windows Server 2008.

39.  Job Skill Demonstration Open

Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training or outside of their training program. Any technical skill may be demonstrated.

40.  Marine Service Technology

The Marine Service Technology contest includes individual skill stations and a written or online test. The hands-on test stations include many aspects of 2-stroke and 4-stoke outboard, sterndrive and inboard troubleshooting and repair. Participants should be proficient in marine application electrical/ignition systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, drive/transmission systems and boat and trailer rigging and repair. The written or online test includes the above-listed topics including diagnostics, service and repair of marine accessory items. Contestants will be judged on safe work practices, cleanliness, organizational skills, accuracy, speed and completion of assigned tasks, worksheets and paperwork.

41.  Mechatronics

Requires contestants to understand the new industrial discipline of “mechatronics,” the ability to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power, and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people of different areas of expertise. Mechatronic specialists must therefore have well developed skills in pneumatic technology, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical systems and general automation techniques and practices, including systematic troubleshooting methods. This competition consists of three events designed to measure the skills required in the modern automated manufacturing environment. Contestants will be required to assemble, adjust and test an automated machine system, troubleshoot and repair a faulty machine system and take a comprehensive written test. The contest elements have been designed to be as realistic as possible, closely resembling the tasks and activities of modern automation professionals. High school teams of two will compete in a construction phase and a troubleshooting phase. In addition, there will be an individual oral interview.

College/postsecondary teams are required to provide their own PLC that will be used in the construction phase.

42.  Medical Supporting

Contestants are tested on their skills in the clinical and administrative settings. They are judged on speed, the use of correct safety measures and their ability to interact personally with a patient. The Participants are also judged on general office skills, communication skills, patient education, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, terminology, instrument identification and equipment, as well as on a variety of clinic procedures and techniques. Contestants need to be able to assess a situation in a short period of time and perform a skill required for that situation within the given time limit. Spelling counts for all testing and documentation.

43.  Power Equipment Technology

Tests the student’s skills in all areas of this technology. They must know and understand both 2 & 4 cycle engines. They should know and understand the related theories that go along with the types of engines that they will come across in the industry. They should also understand drive trains, hydraulic, as well as wiring schematics. Contestants will need to be versed in customer service. As they rotate through the various stations they are judged and scored on both physical and oral skills. They are further tested with their ability to read and follow the job tasks that are given.

44.  Prepared Speech

Requires Participants to deliver a speech five to seven minutes in length on a common theme established by National Tistalents in the current contest. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to a central theme clearly and effectively, and on voice, mechanics, and platform deportment, and so voters should vote based on those criteria.

45.  Principles of Engineering/Technology

Evaluates contestants’ understanding of basic technical concepts/principles of the applied sciences and ability to demonstrate and explain the concept/principle in action and application. Any technical concept may be demonstrated, provided it is related to the principles of the technology curriculum and incorporates basic principles of the applied sciences.

46.  Residential Systems Installation and Maintenance (Electronics Application)

To test each contestant’s preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding Participants for excellence and professionalism in the field of home technology integration. The contest is made up of multiple stations where the contestants will be judged and scored on the following skills and knowledge. Installation of residential products including Home Theatre system, computer networking, video security equipment and construct the various cables used at each of the stations. In addition, Participants will need knowledge of the different smart home technologies. There should be clips or slides to demonstrates these as added advantages pertinent especially to Computer Networking Fundamentals, Audio and Video Fundamentals, Home Security and Surveillance Systems, Telecommunications Standards, Structured Wiring (Low Voltage & High voltage, and Systems Integration)

47.  Robotics and Automation Technology

Challenges two-person teams to demonstrate the operation of a five-axis servo-robot along with a set of sensors and motorized devices to resolve a simulated production process problem. Teams set up and demonstrate the operation of a robotic work cell from a word problem. Contestants are required to create a flow chart and sequence of operation. Teams are also judged on efficiency, speed and teamwork.

Additionally, Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue (Demonstration) are included in this as alternative options, with the purpose of evaluating team members’ skills and preparation for employment in fields related to and including robotics, engineering, automation, manufacturing, electronics, and emergency services. To recognize outstanding performance by participants in scenarios that require problem solving and teamwork in a real-world situation.

48.  Technical Drafting & Computer Applications

This contest evaluates the contestant’s preparation for employment and recognizes outstanding Participants for excellence and professionalism in the field of technical drafting. The contest will focus on the solution of industry-developed problems by applying appropriate technical drafting skills and tools including computer-aided drafting (CAD).

Contestants will also be expected to demonstrate installation, configuration and use of Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Professional Operating Systems and one or more integrated office suite packages including email, word processing, spreadsheet applications, database applications, web page development, money management applications, presentations applications, internet browser applications, etc. The use of Open source software such as OpenOffice will be preferable. Microsoft Office and other integrated office suites could be used. The utilization of instant messaging, collaboration and social networking software will be required during the contest. Contestants will be expected to perform in teams while demonstrating individual technical skills. The contest will include an oral presentation demonstrating the student’s ability to communicate with others, a hands-on skills demonstration, and uploaded for voting and rating.

49.  Telecommunications Cabling

For Participants interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. Industry indicates that 80 per cent of the problems in computer networks, security systems installations and others are caused by cabling issues not the computers, servers, switches, etc. This competition tests worldwide industry standards related to cabling for data and voice connections, physical and logical networks and signal transmission. Contestants demonstrate skills in fibre and copper cable termination, pulling and mounting cable, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks, cable testing and troubleshooting, and providing customer service. Both CAT 5/6e and fibre optics cable are represented. The contest stresses safety in all activities.

50.  Television (Video) Production

Teams of two contestants are required to plan and shoot a video (generally 1 to 3 minutes in length) on location to convey the “theme” of the event. Editing is done in the contest area with special emphasis on professional production of the video by industry standards, quality of audio and video, and adequate conveyance of the “theme” to the viewer.

You are required to show how you edited the video your shot to make it more efficient. This could improve your award potentials.

51.  Web Design

Teams will complete a series of challenges focusing on website usability and accessibility, with at least one challenge related to scripting