Before beginning the Technological Education Multi-Session program at the Faculty of Education, Mike Nippard (DEd’23) had never turned on a computer. “To this day my computer gives me anxiety” he says.
Amidst the chaos of restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mike found himself in a position to leverage his 20-plus years in the construction industry towards a new career path. Thanks to support from his wife, Mike took the leap and started the Technological Education Multi-Session program. Mike’s career since graduating has not slowed down. “It was quite the learning curve, but worth every minute” he remarks.
Now an instructor at Westview Centennial Secondary School in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Mike has helped countless students, started a new tech program at the school, and encouraged other tradespeople to join the Multi-Session program and start their own journey to become teachers.
One of his proudest accomplishments is the new masonry program at Westview, the only masonry program in the TDSB. Alongside other tech disciplines and tech classrooms, the masonry program has a dedicated shop and is paving the way for careers for students in this essential trade. "The kids are really enjoying it,” he says. “I’ve had kids now graduated 3 years, and they’re coming back in their third-year apprenticeship, and they’re pulling up in their own car.”
The success of the masonry program led to a student from Westview representing the TDSB at the Skills Competition in masonry for the first time in 16 years. For students, the Skills Ontario Competition is an opportunity to be recognized for their proficiency in their select trade. Westview’s masonry program is so popular that they hired two full-time construction teachers to support Mike so he can focus his efforts on the growing program, including developing a cross-curricular approach. “I’m working with our culinary teacher, we’re making garden beds out of masonry so they can grow vegetables.”
Mike Nippard is an advocate for students and future teachers who might not have considered a career path in tech. His tireless work to support students is evident in the growth of the tech program at Westview and the fact that students stay connected after graduating.
“I grew up the same way a lot of these kids grew up” says Mike. “So for me to be here is kind of like it was meant to be. And I’ve created some pretty cool relationships with the kids which is amazing.”
Creating an important link between tech careers and teaching careers, Mike exemplifies the promise of the Multi-Session program. He is there for students who love skilled trades and he is there for colleagues who might be looking to turn on their computers and start a new job path.