by Mike Knaak
Real-world projects, created with real-world skills leads to real-world jobs. That’s the lesson learned in Nick Phillips’ Sabre Manufacturing class. The students’ latest product is a snowmobile lift for the home mechanic.
The students started work on the project around Thanksgiving with design and 3-D modeling. Then they built a jig to hold the metal parts for assembly and welding. Last week, the class displayed two completed lifts near the high school’s Learning Stairs so other students could see their work.
Now that the design and testing work is done, junior James Blenkush says a lift can be built during one week of class time.
Students’ other projects included a rustic coffee table, stools for the middle school and a boat dock.
Phillips says students take the class for many reasons. Some enjoy making things while others prepare for jobs after high school or more education to prepare for manufacturing careers such as welding or mechanical engineering.
“Their skills are valuable. Some students already have part-time jobs after school,” Phillips said. Students can make $45,000 a year right out of high school he said. “The need is great.”
James Blenkush, 17, of St. Stephen, cranks up the snowmobile lift designed and built by Sabre Manufacturing students at Sartell High School.
