Hands-on Tech, Minds-on Success

Posted On Tuesday January 21, 2020
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G.L. Roberts CVI student Alesia Greaves shows off her hairstyling skills at the Technological Education Symposium.

DDSB students go full tilt into trades and success at the Annual Technological Education Symposium

“There is no secret to success. Your ability to roll with the punches is the biggest factor in your success,” states Joe Musicco.

Musicco is a Professor at Sheridan College where he teaches advertising and marketing in the Pilon School of Business.

On January 8th, he joined Grade 9-12 students at the Durham District School Board (DDSB) Education Centre in Whitby for the Annual Technological Education Symposium.

Musicco shared his expertise on being successful in post-secondary education and beyond.

Some of his key points included:

  • It’s not all about the marks – Gaining skills beyond getting good grades is critical
  • It’s okay to struggle – If you’re getting perfect marks, you’re not being challenged enough
  • Being resilient is better than being perfect
  • A growth mindset is key – Progress is made through improvement, not achievement
  • Failure is an opportunity – Use failure as stepping stones for your growth

After Musicco’s keynote address, students dove into a variety of hands-on workshops such as: Hairstyling 101, Microbit Coding, Hands-On House Framing, Funnel Cake and Ice Cream Creations, and much more.

Each student wore a huge grin as they hammered nails into wooden framing, baked up a storm in the Sinclair Secondary School culinary room, crafted hair extensions with the Durham Hairstylist Academy, and even deconstructed a car motor in the automotive shop.

“The Tech Ed Symposium is all about students,” explains Jennifer Parrington, Technological Education Facilitator at the DDSB. Parrington adds, “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our secondary students to experience hands-on workshops, learn about the countless opportunities in the trades, and deepen career exploration. It is truly a day of hands-on tech, minds-on success!”