Graphic design program teaches students industry-level skills

GUELPH – Students in Grade 11 and 12 at the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)can cultivate graphic design skills with a experiential learning program at M&T Graphics Factory on Malcolm Road in Guelph. 

Teacher lead Katrina Musselman attended a May 4 board meeting to share highlights of the program, which “offers students an exceptional business and technology learning experience that extends beyond what is typically available in a traditional school environment,” according to a staff report. 

Board superintendent of student achievement Betty Farrell said the program makes a big impact on students, who create projects for real customers, including but not limited to WCDSB schools. 

Musselman said the program has been going strong for 13 years, despite some significant challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Students appreciate the opportunity to learn in an industrial environment, she said, where they create “eye-catching materials that draw attention and participation.” 

She described the program as a reciprocal relationship where “students gain industry-level skills and district partners gain dedicated talent” from the young designers.

There is space for 18 students to participate per semester, earning cooperative education credits that go towards their Specialist High Skills Major.   

Musselman said working in a smaller space instead of high school atmosphere has a positive impact on many of the students’ mental health. 

Many program graduates end up pursuing post-secondary education in graphic design and working in the field, Musselman said, and they sometimes return to share their stories with current students. 

Chuck Temple launched the program in 2014, and Musselman said when he handed the reins over to her five years ago, they met two mornings per week all summer for her to learn the ropes. 

“This is his baby, and he wanted to see it thrive,” she said. 

Board chair Vikki Dupuis said “it’s astounding to me that the program was sustained through the pandemic. 

“It all got moved over to St. Peter’s, and it wasn’t without a lot of blood, sweat and tears.” 

She said it’s a “remarkable program” that “makes such a difference for our kids.”