Soo Motors donated two vehicles to the automotive class at Sault Area High School and Career Center today.
A 2023 Ford Transit van and a 2108 Ford Focus were dropped off by Merle's Towing and Anytime Towing to Al Odbert's workshop in the back of the school.
It's been over two decades since Soo Motors donated a vehicle.
Back in 2003, Odbert was a student at that time in high school when the local dealership donated an F-250.
Now he is in his third year teaching the automotive class. He teaches around sixty students between three classes.
"It's huge because these cars have the newer technology including the new communication system all the vehicles run on now. For them to be able to learn how this system works is huge. That is what they are going to see in the field. This program has grown dramatically over the past few years. I drill it into the kids that they don't have to a four-year college to get a good paying job," Odbert explained.
The two vehicles are not cheap. The Focus is valued at around $10,000 while the Transit van is valued at around $57,000.
That is quite a generous donation.
Andy Happala, general manager of Soo Motors, says this donation is possible with the partnership between Soo Motors and Ford Motor Company.
"One vehicle (the Transit van) was damaged due to a train derailment. The other vehicle had mechanical issues so they were donated to the Career Center so that the kids can learn the new technology. Everything is computerized. The class has an older vehicle they work on but it's old technology. With these new ones, they have all the new technology so it gives the kids more training," Haapala said.
Haapala agrees with Odbert that the trades are the way to go.
"There is a huge demand for mechanics. Not only local, but nationwide. As an automotive technician, you can make really good money," Haapala added.
Senior Ryan Croff is in the automotive program at the high school but also works at Soo Motors.
"In my junior year, I found out that there was a co-op available to work somewhere during the school day. I saw that Soo Motors was hiring and I got the job. I have been working on cars and engines with my dad my whole life. This is a great opportunity to have the chance to work on these cars with the new technology," Croff said.
