Lacombe Ford has completed its first partnership with Lacombe Composite High School’s mechanics program for the 2024–25 school year.
As part of the initiative, the dealership donated a 2007 Ford F-150 to the program, along with a list of required repairs and all necessary parts. Students completed the repairs as a full start-to-finish project, designed to simulate work in a professional auto shop.
Lacombe Ford’s shop foreman also visited the school regularly with the company’s mobile service van. The visits included demonstrations, one-on-one conversations, and maintenance support to give students exposure to tools and techniques used in the automotive industry.
“This partnership is about investing in the future of our industry and our community,” said Darren Gagnon, owner and dealer principal at Lacombe Ford.
Students are being encouraged to join the Registered Apprenticeship Program at Lacombe Ford to continue their training and earn hours toward certification.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Todd Wyatt, automotive teacher at Lacombe Composite High School. “Having a local industry partner like Lacombe Ford involved gives our kids exposure to the real-world expectations of the trade.”
The completed truck has been returned to the dealership. It will be inspected by Lacombe Ford’s service team before being listed for sale.
Both the school and the dealership say they plan to continue the program next year.