Let’s be honest: learning can be a messy, imprecise process; one that each of us undertakes in our own unique way.  Some students learn primarily in a visual modality, others by listening, and still others only make the necessary connections when a hands-on opportunity is presented.  Many students are not comfortable with the notion of making errors or providing incorrect or imprecise information, particularly in the presence of peers.  Others equate not mastering a skill immediately with somehow being inferior or unintelligent and do not want to be perceived as such by their peers or their instructor.  They fear judgment or ridicule and might shut down completely, never stepping outside a limited zone of comfort to add new skills or stretch their abilities.  When this happens, creativity and invention are stifled and the application of higher-level thinking skills is circumvented.  Of course, physical safety is paramount in career and technical education.  Students should never be allowed to endanger themselves physically in the name of learning.

It is up to us as educators to provide a safe emotional (and physical) environment for students to stumble, to miscalculate, and to be able to apply their reflections and evaluations to their errors in a positive way.  There is no learning experience that compares with misjudging a measurement and cutting something too short, but not realizing it until you are almost done with the project.  One tends to never forget those experiences.  We must demonstrate to students the understanding that learning by making mistakes, acknowledging their errors, reflecting upon them, and most importantly, applying judgment to implement a better process or procedure is an effective, sometimes highly recommended, way to learn.

 This message has been randomly appearing on the big screen TVs located in the Café and hallway by Student Services.

What in the world…? 

Is it some convoluted electrical wiring load calculation?  A cryptic communication from the SkillsUSA club to its membership? Or is it some kind of math problem you have to solve in order to gain entry into the National Technical Honor Society? 

No, it’s none of the above. 

It’s a formula.  According to Dictionary.com, one of the definitions of formula is “…a method, pattern, or rule for doing or producing something”.  What PC=S+$² stands for is Program Completion equals Success plus Financial Reward.  In other words, by completing your career and technical education program (and achieving industry certification), you are substantially increasing your chances for success and subsequent financial reward in the form of secure, steady employment and competitive compensation.  Program completion affords you the opportunity to learn as much as possible about your chosen trade.  While you might not enter the workforce at the highest level for which you are trained upon completion, by completing your entire program, you have demonstrated to potential employers you possess the knowledge and ability to perform higher-level skills needed in higher-paying positions. 

Now apply this method, pattern, and rule to YOUR career: PC=S+$²

At the beginning of every semester, but probably more so in August than January, I am reminded again of what an honor and privilege it is to be part of career and technical education.  It is exciting to see the faces of our newest students as they embark upon their adventure in learning – training for a new career or add skills to expand an existing one.  The thoughts of a new beginning filled with endless possibilities are surely present in their minds.  They will experience joy and disappointment (because failure is as much a part of learning as success) as they progress through their programs.  I know they will come out on the other side as different people than when they entered.  They always do.

Then there are the returning students – the “old hands”, so to speak.  Whether a student returns to complete a course or start a new program, it’s an honor to be a part of his or her learning.  I particularly enjoy seeing returning students mentor and teach the new students.  To me, this is the epitome of demonstrating mastery of a skill: when one student informs, trains, and shares knowledge and skill with another in such a manner that it benefits both students.  By being privy to this exchange, the instructor can assess how well he or she performed their role in sharing knowledge and skills.

And the cycle begins again…

The answers to the question are as varied as the number of job-seekers themselves.  It will take a combination of your skills, training, and personality to land the job you seek.  Key to this endeavor is selling yourself.  There will be many others who, all things being equal, are every bit as qualified as you for a particular job.  What will make you stand out is how you market yourself to the employer. 

Marketing yourself is not being the loudest, brashest, or most boastful candidate.  Often it is quite the opposite.  Selling yourself requires a balance of confidence, humility, and excellent communication skills that communicate to the employer, “I’m capable.  I’m confident but not arrogant.  I can get along with others or work alone.  You can rely upon me to help you achieve your goals in business”.   The candidate needs to be objective about his or her abilities, and able to put his or her strengths into a package the potential employer cannot resist. 

Look at yourself in the mirror every day and ask, “Why should an employer hire me?”  Be honest – brutally honest if necessary – with yourself about what you need to improve, whether it’s your technical skills or your people skills.  Never get promoted? Maybe you are lacking a skill or set of skills you need in order to get ahead.  Have trouble getting along with co-workers?  Perhaps you need to adjust the way you relate to or communicate with others.  Work objectively on these areas of improvement and you’ll be amazed at how much better things go for you in the long run.

The start of a new year gives reasons to feel refreshed, renewed, and eager to take on new challenges.  A new career, a new job, or adding new skills to enhance your employability.  Change and improvement don’t have to be limited to the first month of the year, however.  Continuous improvement and reflection are essential to growth, and growth is essential to remaining employable in today’s economy.  Even after you achieve your initial goals, keep working to improve yourself and increase your inventory of marketable skills. 

And don’t forget your own personal interests and passions – work on improving your application and execution of the things that feed your soul.  Seeking a work-life balance is the biggest challenge most adults face. 

If you are starting or even continuing your education here at WTI, I wish you much success in your new or continued endeavor. 

An acquaintance with the principles and opportunities of entrepreneurship is required by the Florida Essential Skills, which are skills identified by the Florida Department of Education as being essential to employment and career success.  Mr. Moyes and Mr. Mangano asked students to consider the many hard questions that come with the process of starting a business.  They ask students to evaluate several factors about themselves and their personal commitments, financial realities, the economy, and the geographic location they want to operate in.  Students were provided with concrete advice and information about getting started on the right foot.  For instance, students are advised that one must be prepared to pay for expert advice on the legal and accounting aspects of starting a business. 

Here at WTI we strive to constantly assist students with improving their educational experiences as well as equip our students with the skills and information they will need to be successful in the “real” world.  Thanks to the help of outstanding community members like Mr. Moyes and Mr. Mangano, that task is made easier. 

Your resume’ is a factual recitation of who you are, what you want, and what you can do for the employer.  Employers have a limited amount of time to consider job candidates and the resume is usually the first introduction to a job candidate.  Most only briefly scan over resumes before making decisions to “keep and pursue further” or “throw away”.

A resume’ will not get you a job, but it might get you an interview.  A resume’ can certainly lose you a job before you ever set foot in a workplace.  It’s the first impression and you need to make it a positive one.

I assist WTI students in preparing resumes for any need.  If you need help with a resume’, contact the media center to schedule an appointment.  We can work together to craft you an entry-level resume’ for your new career, or one to help you obtain an interim job while you are in school.

On October 27th, 2011, students in the career and technical education programs at WTI were introduced to the concepts of financial literacy, budgeting, and wise use of financial products by guest speaker Kimberly Darby, Vice President and Cashier of Brannen Banks of Florida (shown above).  Co-facilitator was WTI Media Specialist Jeane DeFelice.

Financial literacy is not only a requirement for life, it’s a requirement for WTI career and technical education students.  The Florida Essential Skills, which include academic foundations, communications, ethics, employability and career development, and financial literacy, are integrated into the standards and benchmarks of career and technical education programs.  These skills represent the knowledge and abilities vital to success in careers in every career cluster as identified by the State of Florida.  You can view all of these skills here: http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/rtf/essential_skills.rtf

The financial literacy component of these skills call for students to be able to, among other skills, describe the effect of money management on personal and career goals and to develop a personal budget and financial goals.  Financial health and literacy are goals students should continuously strive to reach, and the introduction to these goals are just one of many essential skills WTI teaches to its students.

Mrs. Darby discussed with the male and female students the need to create a budget, tips on how to save money, why one needs to balance one’s checkbook, as well as many other topics relating to banking and finance.

The format of the seminar was informal.  Students were able to ask questions that concerned and interested them.  Mrs. Darby answered their questions or referred them to another business or agency if the question was beyond her knowledge base.

In general, teen parents and their children are statistically known to be at high risk for living in poverty.  It is hoped that by providing the students with the tools they need to be financially literate, they will avoid making poor financial choices in the future.