THUNDER BAY -- Grade 10 transportation class students at Hammarskjold High School are gearing up for the mechanical lesson of their lives.
The Motorcycle Safety Training Organization has donated three motorcycles to the north-side school, allowing students a rare chance to gain hands-on experience fixing them.
It's a much needed skill, said Greg Stein, president of the MTSO.
“Motorcycle technicians are definitely lacking if you talk to any of the local (automobile) dealers,” he said.
And it's not just a local issue.
The lack of repairmen is an issue across Canada and the advancement of motorcycle technology has made the job of highly coveted position.
“This gives the kids the opportunity to work on them, and hopefully consider going into that field in the future.” Stein said on Friday.
For the students involved, it's and exciting experience.
Teen Emma Gowanlock loves the idea of learning how to fix a motorcycle, something she and her classmates had never done before.
“We mostly do small engines, and work under the hood with cars… but nothing this cool,” she said.
Transportation teacher Michael Thomas is equally thrilled at the idea, which he said only broadens the abilities of his studens.
“I’ve always wanted a small set of motorcycles in my classroom,” Thomas said.
“It’s going to be a good experience. Up until now, students had just been working on engines that aren’t connected to anything. This gives them transferable skills that they can apply to any mode of transportation.”
Students will also have the opportunity to start riding motorcycles with an M1 license once they turn 16.
“It’s a mode of transportation for some and an adventure for others,” said MTSO president Greg Stein. “We’re expecting to train more than 200 riders this year. It’s good for the culture in the region.”
