Hands-On Learning with Jon Chapdelaine Automotive

This past Monday was an exciting day in our TRADE program! Jon Chapdelaine, Automotive Mobile Mechanic, rolled up with his mobile shop and eight generators, some of which were working and some not, but all were ready for our students to dive in. The TRADE students serviced every machine with fresh oil and spark plugs, then removed, cleaned, and reinstalled all the carburetors.

The results? Four generators roared back to life, one was beyond repair and became a valuable tool for exploring the inside of an engine, and two more will be finished up next class. It was hands-on learning at its best, messy, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.

Trade programs like ours are vital to both students and the community. They provide practical, real-world skills that students can use immediately and build on for future careers. Not only do students learn how to work with their hands, but they also develop problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience skills that are valuable in any profession. For our community, these programs are investments in a skilled workforce that can fill roles in high demand.

We want to give a big thank you to Jon Chapdelaine Automotive Mobile Mechanic for taking the time to bring equipment, expertise, and encouragement to our students. Experiences like this show our kids what’s possible when they apply their learning and remind them that their work has value beyond the classroom.

If you own a business and would like to get involved with our TRADE program, or if you’d like to donate tools to support our students, please reach out to Mr. Carignan at CarignanT@burnsscitech.org.

Together, we can continue to expand opportunities, strengthen our community, and prepare students for bright futures.