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Students in the Transportation Technology: Agriculture and Heavy Duty Equipment program at FE Madill Secondary School (FEMSS) now have access to an industry-standard hydraulic hose crimper thanks to the generosity of a community partner.

Huron Tractor donated the $16,000 piece of equipment after being approached by FEMSS's Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Agriculture program for a quote. Brian Young, Huron Tractor parts manager, jumped at the opportunity to help the local high school.

Young hoped this offering would "help younger people get interested in the trades."

The owners of all 11 Huron Tractor dealerships were in support of donating the piece of heavy machinery.

A hose crimper is used to compress metal fittings onto the ends of hydraulic hoses. FEMSS students in the agriculture program will be able to earn a Hydraulics certificate with access to this equipment.

"This donation will introduce students to another aspect of the industry that in the past we had to contract out to a supplier," said Jeff Cowan, head of technology and transportation teacher at FEMSS.

Students will learn how to make custom hydraulic lines using the new hose crimper as well as agricultural equipment brought in from home farms.

"This is one more qualification with which [Avon Maitland District School Board] students can graduate through their participation in SHSM," said Keith Edwards, pathways coordinator for the SHSM program. "We are so appreciative of the exceptional opportunity this donation affords our students."

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