GRANDE PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
Fabrication Lab at Charles Spencer High School Receives Donation from Enercorp

When Haille O'Toole realized the welds she was producing in her fabrication class were of poorer quality than what she could create at her dad's shop, she wanted to know why.

Her teacher, Joe LaValley, elaborated, "at that time, she was attempting to use a 7018 rod, and we noticed that the flux was crumbling and the weld was not flowing as it should." It was a good teaching moment, said LaValley, "I told her that we do not have a rod oven and that for this rod to perform properly, its exposure to moisture needs to be controlled." 

Image: L-R Joe LaValley (CSHS teacher), Chris Podruzny (Completions Manager, Enercorp), Mike Britton (Fabrication Manager, Enercorp), Haille O'Toole (CSHS student), and Ryan O'Toole (General Manager, Production Fabrication Equipment Division Enercorp)

Hallie decided that something needed to be done. It turns out her dad, Ryan, is the General Manager of the Production Fabrication Equipment Division of Enercorp, which fabricates materials used in Grande Prairie and worldwide, including places like the U.S.A. and Argentina.

"When Hallie explained the situation, I immediately wanted to help," said Ryan. "I grew up here [in Grande Prairie], and our company prides itself on supporting the next generation of welders. It is part of our company culture." 

"My goal is to do my best to prepare students for post-secondary by mimicking as close to real-life experiences as possible," said LaValley, "the rod oven donation is so appreciated and will have a huge positive impact on our students. As a CTS [Career and Technology Studies] teacher, it feels good to provide a more realistic learning environment."

Charles Spencer High School Principal Chris Dextrase echoes the sentiment, "Enercorp's generosity will help current and future students prepare for life outside of high school, and we couldn't be more grateful."

Image: Enercorp's donated rod oven in use during welding class

Image: Student preparing to weld with newly moisture-controlled rods