Lindsay has always been considered an “artsy” person. When she was introduced to Adobe Photoshop® in Grade 9 Integrated Technologies and began discovering all of its features and effects, she was hooked! After taking Communications Technology–Graphics in Grade 10, she knew that she wanted to pursue Graphic Design as a career.
Participating in the DSBN Skills Challenges, the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), and on Governor Simcoe's Robotics Team – Simbotics also influenced her career goals. The Skills Challenges allowed Lindsay to work on her concept development, presentation, time management and job interview skills. As a member of Simbotics, Lindsay designed booklets, presentation boards and t-shirts that were sold at competitions. These opportunities added to her design portfolio and gave her reassurance that she was talented and should pursue Graphics as a career.
Lindsay advises students interested in the Communications Technology field to do their research when it comes to post-secondary programs. “Find the program that is right for you. Don't look at how lengthy the program is or what you're awarded at the end of it. Pick the school that suits you best.”
She also advises students not to give up. “There will be times where you will get down on yourself.” When receiving criticism, Lindsay advises students to “remember how much you enjoy the field you're in. Set goals for yourself. Accomplishments always make you feel better about yourself. Just don't succumb to outside pressure and give up on your dreams! You walk your own path so do what YOU want, not what your peers or society wants.”
Lindsay won Gold in the 2006 DSBN Desktop Publishing Challenge, Gold in the 2007 DSBN Graphic Design Challenge, and Technical Awards for her accomplishments in Graphic Design. She is currently pursuing Graphic Design for Print and Web at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Toronto.
Name: Chris Rintjema and Andrew Kramer School: Grimsby Secondary Graduates
Chris Rintjema and Andrew Kramer travelled to Japan in November 2007 set to take on the world. Their journey began back in March 2006, when Grimsby Robotics won gold in the DSBN Robotics Skills Challenge. The team (of Chris, Andrew, Stuart Haws and Peter Mullen) then went on to win gold at the 2006 Ontario Technological Skills Competition and gold at the 2006 Canadian Skills Competition in Halifax.
Following their national win and a seven-month wait, Chris and Andrew got the exciting news that they were Japan-bound. In order to prepare for the 2007 WorldSkills Competition, Chris, now a University of Waterloo Engineering student, programmed his computer so that he could access the robot at Andrew's house remotely.
Chris and Andrew, friends since kindergarten, have always been technically inclined. Now, in his second year of university, Chris has started his second co-op term with Tangram Gaming in Waterloo's Research and Technology Park. Andrew, a Niagara College Electrical Engineering student, also enjoys tearing down and rebuilding motors.
The skills they have developed and the hard work they have put into robotics are definitely paying off. The team earned a sixth-place finish in Japan and gained an experience of a lifetime.
Name: Boyd Jansen School: South Lincoln High School
Boyd is pursuing a career as a General Carpenter and, after participating in the 2006 Specialist High Skills Major – Construction program, he can now add a complete home build to his already impressive resume. Boyd was one of 18 students from the District School Board of Niagara selected to participate in the 2006 partnership build between Phelps Homes and the DSBN. The SHSM – Construction program allows students to earn secondary school credits while working on the construction site all day, every day.
“It is so much more than being in a school.” says Boyd “It is learning hands-on knowledge. It is more physically demanding, but also more rewarding.” In addition to earning credits and industry-recognized certifications through the SHSM – Construction, Boyd is earning hours towards his apprenticeship in General Carpentry through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Boyd is very eager to continue his postsecondary education through apprenticeship and college, and then hopes start his own business.
Boyd’s parents are thrilled that he was selected for the Specialist High Skills Major – Construction project. Boyd has always been able to earn good grades in school but he had a hard time maintaining interest when sitting in traditional classroom situations. Boyd always excelled at the practical project work in any subject.
For students who are considering persuing a career in the construction sector, Boyd “would definitely recommend this program!”
Kathy Luu began taking Hairstyling and Aesthetics courses at Stamford Collegiate in 2004. Her teachers, Liz Digaetano and Kate Shepherd, recognized her talent and helped Kathy to develop her technical skills. After completing the grade 12 course, Kathy's teachers encouraged her to consider Hairstyling as a career path. She was signed as an apprentice through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in grade 12, and began earning hours towards her apprenticeship. After graduating from Stamford, Kathy continued working towards her apprenticeship while receiving postsecondary training at Niagara College.
In 2005, Kathy competed in the DSBN Technological Skills Challenges. After winning the DSBN GOLD medal in Hairstyling, Kathy went on to achieve gold medal success again at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC). Kathy advanced to the 2005 Canadian Skills Competition (CSC) in Edmonton, where, after two days of competition, she won a national bronze medal. At the 2007 OTSC (Post-Secondary Level) Kathy won another gold medal – this time with a perfect score of 100%!
Ann Kent has a passion for cooking. Her love of cooking began at home, and when she heard about the culinary arts program at Eastdale Secondary, she was excited to participate. As part of this two-year course, students are responsible for making lunch for the rest of the school on a regular basis.
Ann found the practical experience that she obtained to be a great learning experience. Ann also realized that “when I put my mind to something... great things come out of it.” She recommends this type of practical experience to other students “because you get hands-on experience, learn a lot of safety tips, and it's fun!” She adds that the work was difficult and challenging at times, but that when she “pushed [herself] to be successful” working in the field of cooking was highly rewarding.
Ann was the 2007 DSBN Culinary Arts Skills Challenge GOLD medalist. She plans to go on to become a military chef.
Name: Kate Finch School: South Lincoln High School Graduate
Kate Finch is focused on her future. She became interested in the field of manufacturing after accompanying her father, a Tool and Die Maker, to his job for “Take Your Kids to Work” day. When she had the opportunity to take part in the OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship) program, she was excited to participate.
Kate began earning apprenticeship hours working for Bodine Manufacturing in Smithville. She found the work to be challenging at first, but quickly gained proficiency working on the various machines. Kate found that her OYAP experience greatly expanded her knowledge about precision machining.
Although she notes that the work can be difficult and high-pressure at times, Kate found the hard work enjoyable. She highly recommends this type of practical experience to other students. “The work can be challenging and at times you may even feel like giving up – but in the end you know it’s all worth the hard work.”
Kate was the 2007 DSBN Precision Machining Skills Challenge GOLD medalist. She went on to compete at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) in Waterloo, where she was the only female competitor.
Following graduation, Kate continued her apprenticeship at Gerrotti Machining. After completing her apprenticeship, Kate hopes to continue her postsecondary education in the field by completing both a Tool and Die program and a Teaching program.
