PHS auto shop gets new hoists!
The newly expanded automotive lab at Plymouth High School now
features two new state-of-the-art vehicle hoists made possible thanks
to a partnership with the Van Horn Automotive Group.
The asymmetric hydraulic hoists are exactly like what is used in professional auto shops, said instructor Mike Fels.
In addition, the shop was expanded over the summer, so the new
hoists are more conveniently located and easier to drive into. The
hoists and shop configuration accommodate more student projects at the
same time, Mr. Fels said.
The auto lab is part of the LTC-Plymouth Science &
Technology Center located at Plymouth High School, which also features
Haas CNC mills and simulators, a high-tech lathe, high-speed packaging
equipment, a metal fabrication training facility, a 3-D printer and a
laser engraver. The facility is used by high school students during the
day and by college students in the evening.
The auto hoists are the first phase of improvements to the auto
lab. In 2011, Van Horn has agreed to donate $15,000 per year for
three years to upgrade the PHS lab.
The second installment, received in December, is likely to be
earmarked for updated tools, including hand tools, power tools and
electronic diagnostic tools, Mr. Fels said.
In addition to the funds, Van Horn has offered to share its
own shop, equipment, vehicles and personnel to enhance the education of
auto tech students. It is an example of the type of partnership the
district is hoping to forge with area employers, to take advantage of
local expertise in return for better-trained workers.
“The Van Horn Automotive Group wants students to realize that
being an auto technician is a great job,” said Teresa Van Horn. “With
this donation our company is hoping to help produce future employees.
Good technicians are hard to find, and there is nothing better than
finding them from our own community.”
Mr. Fels’ overall goal is for the shop to become certified by
the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. That will
allow the program to articulate better with Lakeshore Technical
College.
The auto shop runs on student-based projects, and students are
encouraged to bring in cars to work on. Mr. Fels also provides a range
of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Students perform general maintenance as well as custom work.
Mr. Fels’ 1995 pickup truck, for example, has a 2006 engine installed
by students.
Plymouth High School offers two automotive classes, a semester-long basic auto
class and a yearlong auto tech class, as well as independent study.
Not all of the students in his classes will go on to careers
as auto technicians. Because auto technology has become so technical –
it’s now more video games than wrenches, Mr. Fels said – it offers a
great background for engineering and related fields.
“The class is a good breadth of mechanical information, along
with mechanical and computer that lends itself to a lot of careers,” he
said. “It is very hands one, a great opportunity to experience the
engineering first hand.”
Source: Plymouth School District e-Newsletter