The farm mechanics system at the Presque Isle Tech Heart can direct college students to professions in welding, steel fabrication, automotive technologies, logging or farm operate.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The farm mechanics software at the Presque Isle Tech Heart can guide college students to careers in welding, steel fabrication, automotive technological know-how, logging or farm operate.
For the past 9 yrs, Darrell Espling has taught farm mechanics. Prior to getting to be a instructor, he used quite a few decades functioning in the farming market.
“I have been all over the farm most of my lifestyle. My in-regulations had been potato farmers and a large amount of my pals rising up farmed as perfectly,” Espling mentioned. “There is a large total of challenging get the job done and lengthy times that go into farming and upkeep of all the products, but it is these types of a fulfilling occupation.”
Espling enjoys doing work with his hands and claims he has often beloved dabbling in mechanics, welding and fabrication.
In the application, college students master hand and electricity software identification and use, store setup and protection, steel reducing, how to maintenance applications, hydraulic fix, oxy acetylene torch setup and use, and shielded metallic arc (“stick”) and gasoline metallic arc (“mig”) welding. They get the job done with welders from the 1960s up to modern day, electronic car-set up machines.
The study course also consists of engine mend and maintenance on smaller and substantial automobiles and products these types of as ATVs, snow sleds, autos, vehicles, tractors and farm implements. They are launched to household and automotive electrical do the job and many engineering.
“We have computerized automobile scanners for code looking at, a tire stress monitoring procedure scan resource, plasma cutters for chopping steel and a computerized plasma slicing desk, heated force washer for degreasing big products, a tire machine and balancer, and a two post raise for performing on automobiles,” reported Espling.
The curriculum features risk-free tractor driving, forklift, skid-steer, and OSHA 10-hour certifications. Class associates are inspired to join the FFA and Abilities United states of america chapters in which they can take pleasure in functions, conventions and contend in point out and national contests.
Each and every day is distinct, whether or not it’s doing work on gear at the college farm, aiding learners with their individual initiatives, or making, fixing and retaining a assortment of products for school team and the typical general public.
“The ideal portion of my job is watching the advancement of the pupils. They advance so a lot in two decades. It helps make what I do right here incredibly gratifying,” explained Espling.
Dane Driscoll graduated from Ashland Large Faculty in June and finished his next 12 months in the program. Because he was a younger child, Driscoll has labored with his father at their household company, Driscoll Diesel. Despite the fact that he had experience prior to coming into the application, Driscoll has figured out new competencies.
“I discovered how to become a superior welder, how to perform on small automobiles other than vans, and how to paint motor vehicles,” he reported.
He has also labored on his very own projects, together with rebuilding a toolbox. He competed at the FFA condition levels of competition.
Driscoll will keep on functioning at his father’s store and designs to hold his part-time occupation at BD Grass & Sons in Mars Hill. Participating in this method aided Driscoll come to a decision what occupation route to take.
“It gave me an concept if I wished to go into welding or mechanics,” claimed Driscoll.
Noah Rooney graduated in June from Presque Isle Significant University and was a next-12 months farm mechanics scholar.
“I’ve figured out how to use each individual kind of approach for fastening metal that you can do, how to solder pipe together and use a torch, and how to braze weld, adhere weld, and MIG weld,” Rooney claimed.
He has also discovered how to get apart a little engine and set it back jointly, change tires, and function a motor vehicle carry. Rooney has enjoyed functioning the hefty equipment at the university farm.
As Espling’s scholar aide this year, Rooney aided very first-calendar year pupils, carrying out demonstrations and showing them how to use the distinctive equipment and tools in the shop. He considers Espling to be a function design.
Rooney will show up at the structural welding software at Northern Maine Group University and would like to pursue his Business Driver’s License.
“Being in the system improved what I desired to do. I actually like welding and fabricating. Now, this is what I want to do for a profession,” stated Rooney.
The Presque Isle Tech Center (PITC) serves substantial school pupils in the Central Aroostook space which include Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Easton, Washburn, Ashland and Mars Hill. For a lot more facts, make contact with 207-764-1356 or check out pirctc.sad1.org.