At the Lambton Kent District School Board, we believe that preparing students for the future means giving them access to real-world tools, experiences, and opportunities. Thanks to a generous donation from Ford Canada, our Transportation Technology classrooms are now equipped with engines, transmissions, and a variety of other components including valve bodies, starters, and steering racks bringing the automotive industry directly into our schools.
This donation was a large request for Ford's educational equipment program, and we are proud that they chose to invest in our students.
"We're incredibly thankful to Ford Canada for donating vehicle engines, transmissions, and accessories to our classroom," said Nigel Bradshaw, teacher at Chatham Kent Secondary School. "These parts will give students valuable firsthand experience and a real connection to the automotive industry. Support like this helps bring learning to life and shows students what is possible."
Guy Wilkinson, a teacher with Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School, echoed the impact: "The students in our Transportation Technology program would like to thank Ford Canada for the gracious donation. They will benefit from this generous gift."
These updated components allow students to work on current engine models and systems found on the road today an invaluable experience not only for those pursuing careers in the skilled trades, but also for students learning to maintain and understand their own vehicles.
Ben Ostropolec, Special Projects - Technological Education, shared: "It is great that our students have the opportunity to work on current Ford models. This gives them real-life connections to automotive trade and hopefully steers a few students in that direction. It was like a child on their birthday watching them open the crates and boxes."
At LKDSB, we're proud of the work happening in our secondary school technological education classrooms, where students are exposed to viable, high-demand career paths in the skilled trades. These programs foster independence, confidence, and career readiness - and with the support of community partners like Ford Canada, we're able to offer the very best.
This partnership is a powerful example of how businesses and organizations strengthen what we can offer our students. Together, we are building futures, sparking passions, and ensuring that every student has the tools to succeed.
