Fort St. John Students Build Go-Karts, Learn Trade Skills

In Fort St. John, British Columbia, students are engaging in a unique after-school program that aims to cultivate the next generation of trades workers. Led by teacher William McColm, the after-school go-kart club allows students to gain hands-on experience in fabrication, welding, and digital design.

While many students head home after classes, brothers Arjen and Henry Pos spend their time at the workbench, diligently sealing welds on a partially constructed go-kart frame. Arjen reflects on their experience, stating, “We are some of the few kids in our neighbourhood who don’t own a dirt bike or a quad.” He explains that their upbringing has differed from many classmates, who are often connected to farming or the oil industry.

McColm initiated the after-school club last year, intending to provide students with practical skills that link to their academic learning. He believes that engaging students in hands-on projects helps them better understand subjects like math and science, making the concepts more relevant to their interests.

“They’re trying to understand where they fit in the world,” McColm notes. He emphasizes that the program not only teaches technical skills but also fosters teamwork and confidence.

B.C.’s latest labour market outlook anticipates over 168,000 job openings in trades and related sectors by 2035, primarily due to retirements. This year, students from Dr. Kearney are set to build three go-karts, starting with a simple gas-powered model and progressing to a full-suspension version and eventually a self-driving electric vehicle. McColm plans to integrate robotics concepts into the projects, stating, “We’ll take everything that I do in robotics, and we’ll add sensors to one of the frames and we’ll add computers.”

As technological advancements continue, McColm believes the future of trades will require a combination of fabrication skills and automation knowledge. He aims for his students to leave the program with a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines.

For the Pos brothers, the club is not only a learning opportunity but also a stepping stone toward their future careers. Arjen aspires to become a 3D video game designer, while Henry dreams of building rockets. Both acknowledge the importance of safety and precision in their work. “The number one thing about this club is that we have to be really safe,” says Henry, adding, “When you lose your fear of a tool, that’s when the tool hurts you.”

The go-kart club fabricates nearly all components in-house, including the chassis and steering column. Any materials they cannot produce are sourced from local suppliers, online retailers, or community donations. McColm has plans to enhance the workshop further; a new milling machine is on order, and he hopes to acquire a lathe, which would significantly expand the capabilities of the shop and the students’ learning experiences.

McColm underscores the importance of community support in this initiative. “What we’re doing here is helping to create the next generation of trades workers here in Peace River,” he explains. “Any businesses that can help support this are benefiting the community greatly.”

In May 2024, Dr. Kearney’s students will showcase their efforts at the first go-kart rodeo, where they will race their creations and participate in building challenges. McColm hopes teams from across the school district and beyond will join the event, aiming to make this an annual highlight on the calendar.