More than a dozen teachers from across the GTA spent two days at Humber Polytechnic’s North Campus where they received machine shop training.

The training was for elementary and high school teachers looking to enhance their skills in shop programs, technology and skilled trades teachers, and robotics mentors.  

Simon Heathcote, associate director, Technical Services with the Faculty of Applied Science & Technology (FAST), said the workshop provided hands-on training in machine shop safety, shop orientation, and beginner use of tools and equipment including drills, mills and lathes. The teachers also learned how to craft parts from an engineering drawing.

Colin Buddin, mechanical technologist with FAST, was the lead on the training and was assisted by Technologist, Bruce McKinnon, and Student Technologist, Brett Jacobs.

Rob Caswell, a teacher at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute in Toronto, attended the workshop. He has been exposed to FIRST Robotics and is working with a Computer Engineering teacher at his school to get a FIRST club up and running.

He found the workshops valuable and was enjoying what he was learning.

“When there’s anything tech related, I’m like a kid in a candy shop,” said Caswell, who teaches Construction and Automotive. “Colin is an excellent instructor, and this is a fantastic facility.”

Heathcote said the goal of the training was two-fold. First, they wanted to give teachers the tools to help youth interested in the field and those looking to compete in FIRST Robotics to create the next generation of mentors.  

Heathcote mentored an Oakville high school team that competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition and feels it’s an important program that imparts valuable skills. The FIRST Robotics Competition tasks participants with designing and building a robot and that includes the manufacturing of components for the robot.

It was also an opportunity to showcase Humber’s facilities, equipment and training to the teachers so they’re aware of what Humber offers and can share that with their students who are looking for a post-secondary program to enrol in.

Caswell said experiencing the Humber facilities while interacting with instructors means he can speak knowledgably about what Humber offers when he’s talking to his students about pathways to post-secondary.

The teachers created a small reciprocating slider mechanism that was produced through a combination of manual and Computer Numerical Control machining. The teachers were also exposed to 3D printing as part of the training.

“We were very happy to be able to share our knowledge and skills with the teachers while showcasing our labs as well,” said Heathcote.

Lorna Hylton and Rosemary De Melo came to the workshop from Beryl Ford Public School in Brampton. Their school has an underutilized technology room they hope to take advantage of to introduce youth to tech before they enter high school.

Hylton praised Buddin for being able to present the information in easy-to-understand terms and for making the entire experience welcoming and informative.

Some of the teachers who took part in the workshop will come back to Humber with their students when the FIRST Robotics Competition returns to North Campus from March 17 to March 19 next year.