LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - A woodworking teacher at Thomas Simpson School is looking for funding sources to help update the school's shop.

Rob Manuel, the woodworking teacher at Thomas Simpson School, changes the blade on the school's 1960s-era table saw, one of the pieces of shop equipment he hopes to see upgraded. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"The shop is long overdue for a change," said Rob Manuel.

The school can only offer woodworking courses because that's the only type of equipment in the shop. The school is missing out on the chance to teach students who are interested in trades besides woodworking, he said.

Manuel would like to get some new equipment so the school can offer introductory lessons in plumbing, electrical and possibly welding. Students should have the opportunity to explore those trades, he said.

The existing woodworking shop is also in need of work.

"Some of the equipment is getting very tired and safety is becoming an issue," he said.

Some of the large pieces of equipment including the drill press, band saw and table saw date to the 1960s. Manuel would particularly like to replace the table saw. It's no longer accurate and it lacks the safety shutoffs newer models have, he said.

Additionally, by using older equipment Manuel said the students aren't being introduced to the same level of technology used in most workplaces.

"We want the kids to learn on modern technology," he said.

Manuel would also like to outfit the shop with a computerized router to help meet that goal.

Shop equipment, however, comes with a price tag. Approximately $25,000 is needed to purchase a table saw and computerized router along with the equipment to start introductory lessons for other trades.

"It's not cheap," he said.

The school does have a budget for the shop but it is nearly taken up with purchasing materials such as wood for the program. Manuel hopes to get local organizations and businesses on board to help make the changes possible. So far he has written proposals to Liidlii Kue First Nation and the Deh Cho Friendship Centre, groups with a history of supporting the shop.

Grade 11 student Curtis McTaggart is excited about the possible upgrades.

McTaggart said he wants to become a mechanic but also knows that he can't take any related trade courses at the school. The lack of equipment for other trades is holding students back, he said.

"If we had a metalwork shop I know I would be in here," he said.

In the interim, McTaggart has filled some of his time taking three different grade levels of woodworking courses.

Aaron Leader, a Grade 10 student, would also like to see an expanded shop at the school.

Leader has taken one woodworking course but in addition to wanting some new woodworking equipment he'd also like to take a welding course.

"I just want to try it out because it looks pretty cool," Leader said.

Manuel would like to update the shop before June when he plans to retire. He hopes to leave it in better shape for the next shop teacher and for the students so they will be more interested in exploring potential trades.

"We need to get people on board," Manuel said.

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