Distance learning students get hands-on training at Sask. Polytech

WATCH: A group of students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty today as part of Saskatchewan's distance learning automotive course.

Sixteen high school students in the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask. DLC) spent the day twisting wrenches, changing tires and working on engines as part of Learning Camp.

It’s a partnership with Sask. Polytechnic and it was the second “Learning Camp” event of the year.

“Learning camp is set up to allow students to get on site at Sask. Poly, to work alongside Sask. Polytech instructors and students to see what a day in the life is like for students training in the Automotive Service Technician program,” said Sean Dufour, practical and applied arts coordinator, Sask. DLC.

“It gives them a chance to get on campus, see the training facility firsthand, visit with the students, ask them how the training works.”

Students complete their theory training online, then they’re required to apply their knowledge in work placements.

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“It’s one thing to learn it in theory in front of a computer,” said Dufour.

“It’s another thing to be underneath a vehicle on a hoist and twisting wrenches yourself. So that’s where the real learning happens in my opinion.”

Going through different stations from tires to engines, Learning Camp also provides the high school students with a chance to watch their peers do it, and do it themselves.

“Yes, they are very good,” said Teagen Huebner, second year student. “They help you, they’re hands on, they will get you to get in and dig in to what they’re doing, and ultimately teach you all the basics and stuff.”

Sask. DLC says enrolment continues to grow in mechanical and automotive courses with over 400 student registrations this year, including 186 students currently in work placements.

Despite being a predominantly male industry, getting valuable experience like this is giving women a chance to pursue a more hands-on career path.

“I don’t want to have to rely on guys to help me fix things when things get broken, or have to rely on my husband when I’m older to do things,” said Ella Timmerman, first year student.

“And it’s so empowering as a woman that there’s more opportunities for me to do these things.”

Timmerman says she’s more motivated in her schooling when given the ability to choose her own courses.

“I was only supposed to take one course at the beginning,” she said.

“But then I’m like, there’s so many different opportunities. I’m going to graduate early, I get to volunteer for a class and spend the whole summer with my church. It’s such a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.”