What is a Pre-Apprenticeship
Digital Badge?
Pre-Apprenticeship Digital Badges are for students honing their skills! These Badges indicate to educators and industry partners alike that the earner is competent in the selected skill and can be considered “certified” in the career area for which each badge is issued.
Pre-Apprenticeship Badges are offered in Audio, Game Design, Character Design and Posing, Previs Virtual Production, Storyboarding, Visual Development and Concept Art, Basic Effects, Layout and Environment, Prop Vehicle Design, and Writing and Storytelling.
Pre-Apprenticeship Badges
General FAQ
How much do Pre-Apprenticeship Badges cost and how many can an individual student apply for?
Each Pre-Apprenticeship Badge costs $25. It includes one free resubmission if you don’t pass the first time. Also, your school may have badges purchased or funding for student certification so make sure to check!
Who should submit/apply for a digital badge?
Students/applicants who have advanced skills in a badge related pathway and whose work meets or exceeds secondary and /or Pre-Apprenticeship Standards It’s a good idea to touch base with your instructor or industry mentor before submitting your work.
How do the Pre-Apprenticeship Badges differ from the Standard Digital Badges?
Standard Digital Badges are intended for candidates who are planning to immediately enter the workforce. Pre-Apprenticeship Badges are for students not yet entering the workforce. Pre-Apprenticeship Badges require fewer submission assets for the application and have a slightly less rigorous readiness standard threshold than Standard Digital Badges.
Can I get them all?
You can apply for as many Badges as you and your advisors think that you are qualified for. Bear in mind that if you do not pass on your first submission, you will have up to one year to resubmit once more for free.
Do Badges count as “certification” for State and Federal Funding?
Yes, in California industry sectors requiring pathway specific certification the BRIC-issued digital badges will meet this criteria. However, in other states, it does not count as certification.
Who evaluates the Pre-Apprenticeship Badge applications?
Recruiters actively working in the animation, gaming, and VFX industries review each submission and make determinations on every badge. Recruiters will assess each badge submission against a standardized grading rubric, which is based on the CDE Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards. To view the Scoring Rubrics for each badge, click here.
Will you tell me if I’m good enough for a regular badge?
Each badge is applied for and evaluated based on the published criteria. It is at the discretion of the evaluator to recommend you for an advanced badge.
Will you be coming up with other Pre-Apprenticeship Badges?
TBD for now
What if I don’t live in California? Can I still get a Pre-Apprenticeship Badge?
Yes! We recommend you discuss the badges you are interested in with your teacher or industry mentor to find the right fit and to make sure your portfolio is at its best.
For Students FAQ
Do pathway completers “automatically “ earn a Digital Badge?
No. “Completers” are those students who completea CTE AME pathway sequence of courses (concentrator and capstone) with a passing grade.
The BRIC Digital Badges are awarded by BRIC-affiliated industry professionals using the criteria set forth in the rubrics for each skill area and meeting the industry standards set down by BRIC in the CDE Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards.
Can high school students apply for job-specific standard Digital Badges?
Yes, but the badging standards are more rigorous and the submission samples are more extensive for standard Digital Badges than for Pre-Apprenticeship Badges.
Do I have to be in an arts or CTE class to get a badge?
Badge submissions are evaluated against Rubric criteria so you do not technically have to be enrolled in a CTE Pathway Program. Most successful applicants are in or have completed an AME course sequence, but all badges are awarded on merit and portfolio.
Does my teacher have to submit me or can I do it on my own?
Because of the enrollment set-up, each individual should create their own account, which their badges will be enrolled under. This should be done with the advice and guidance of your teacher or industry mentor.
How will I know if I’m ready to submit my portfolio for a badge?
Discuss with your teacher or industry mentor - you only get one resubmission!
What if I can’t afford the fee?
If you or your school program cannot afford the badge fee, contact BRIC to see if scholarship support is available.
What if I don’t have the resources at home to learn but I really want to?
Contact your school or a related community organization for educational/training options.
For Teachers FAQ
When should I let my student know they can submit their portfolio for a badge?
When the students’ skill/knowledge level are at or approaching Career Readiness, typically midway through the students’ Capstone year.
How do I submit my student work for evaluation?
Teachers or industry mentors cannot submit their student’s work for them. Each badge earner has their own account where they would submit their work/portfolio for review. As a teacher or industry mentor, you can help your badge earner prepare and upload their materials to their account for review.
Can badges be earned for multiple Career Focus areas?
An individual can earn multiple badges provided they meet the CDE Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards for both CTE AME Pathway Standards as well as the Apprenticeship Standards set forward by the Registered Apprenticeship Program with which their skills align.