Province of Manitoba Media Release |

Education Minister Nancy Allan was on hand September 20, 2012 at the official groundbreaking for the new heavy duty mechanic shop at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, which will serve students from this community, the surrounding area and adults taking programs offered by the University College of the North.

“This important project will give over 500 students in grades nine through 12 and others in the area the opportunity to get hands-on experience and develop new skills that will allow them to contribute to their community and prepare them for well-paying jobs,” said Allan.

The new 7,150-square-foot shop will be adjacent to the school and will boast a drive-through bay for large equipment.

Click drawing for a closer look. Used with permission

It will have four side bays for work on various equipment and vehicles in addition to ample classroom space.

The facility also will have state-of-the-art tools and ventilation with an abundance of natural light.

“This new shop will make a real difference for students and families in this community. It was purposefully designed to address other vocational trades needs in the future without requiring a major retrofit. When it is completed, it will help students get real-life, hands-on valuable experience,” said Allan.

Pictured above in the Ground Breaking, from left to right:
Gerald Farthing, Deputy Minister of Education
Keith Behrmann, Chair, Board of Trustees
Drew Mullin, Heavy Duty Mechanic Student
Henry Barkowski, Principal, SVRSS
Honourable Nancy Allen, Minister of Education
Honourable Ron Kostyshyn, MLA for Swan River