The Alberta Teachers’ Association

PHOTO COUTESTY OF VANESSA BURNS

Wally Besler, Grande Prairie Regional College’s Harley technician (seated on the Harley Davidson) and Earl Verbicky, a teacher at Fairview High School (seated on the street bike) and students enrolled in the school’s mechanics program.

Fairview High School’s (FHS) mechanics program is the only school in Canada where students can work on a Harley Davidson motorcycle thanks to a partnership between the school and Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC), Fairview Campus.

On November 4, 2011, students were pleasantly surprised when Earl Verbicky, a teacher at Fairview High School, and Wally Besler, a Harley technician at Grande Prairie Regional College, rode a Harley Davidson and a street bike into the school assembly. Both bikes are provided under a three-year contract to the FHS.

“It makes sense to partner with the high school,” acknowledged Besler. “Being a big trades college, we have the resources to bring opportunities like this to the school. Students at FHS are our future [at GPRC]—why not give them a preview of what options are out there.” GPRC, Fairview Campus, is the only authorized training centre in Canada for Harley Davidson.

“We are grateful for this opportunity,” said Verbicky, who teaches career and technology studies (CTS) courses at FHS. “This partnership gives students hands-on learning with a legendary product.”

Last year, students worked on standalone Harley engines under the guidance of Besler and Verbicky. “I couldn’t have asked for a better class,” says Besler. “The students were so excited they were meeting me outside before class.” This year, in addition to the two motorcycles, students will also have engines to work on.

FHS also offers such CTS options as welding, carpentry, cosmetology, graphic design, photography, job safety skills, wildlife studies, outdoor education and culinary arts.

*Harley Owners Group