In many cases, it’s a small change that makes a big difference. That’s the case with the Norris FFA Chapter, advised by agriculture education instructor Colin Kubik. While many of the shop projects his students and classes complete could have just been finished with a coat of spray paint, Kubik knew that wouldn’t last in the long run. That’s when he took the initiative to bring an industry standard powder coating booth and oven to the Norris FFA Chapter.
The idea sparked when Kubik visited fellow ag teacher Craig Flaming at the Randolph FFA Chapter regarding CardinalCAM Industries, the school-based metal fabrication business run by Randolph students.
“I wanted to do something similar and be able to provide kids a chance to use industry equipment,” Kubik said.
But, in order to give his students industry standard experiences, they needed industry standard equipment to produce quality projects that would last. That’s when the small change of implementing a powder coating booth and oven would take projects to the next level.
With the help of the Nebraska FFA Foundation Chapter Grant Program and Farmers Cooperative, Norris FFA was able to receive funding for the powder coat booth and oven.
With the new tools, Norris students have been able to build better quality products, for both students and the public. With the number of projects done each year, being able to present them to the community with intentions of lasting would have been difficult with only spray paint.
“I was always nervous just using spray paint, as it just does not look great and does not last long on outdoor projects,” Kubik said. “Now, we have many color options to use. Things look great, and it makes us more confident to do bigger projects.”
Kubik explained that the upgrade in equipment also expanded their offerings, allowing students to do projects of different types and sizes.
For example, his students made a sign for the City of Hickman that can be seen on the west side of town. In addition, students were able to powder coat the frames of go-karts that they built in their Fabrication Tech class, as well as make many smaller signs that have been sold for fundraisers.
“All these projects turned out way better being able to powder coat them and have a nice clean finish in whatever color is chosen,” said Kubik.
Kubik wanted his students to be invested in their learning. When the final product is appealing, it only makes them more eager for the next project.
“Students love it, and with this capability, they want to do more projects. They love getting to use tools that are used in the industry and gain knowledge of how to do it,” Kubik says.
Creating quality products that they can be proud of is the bonus at the end.
Realizing what one change could mean for their program and taking a chance in applying for funding where there was a need, the Norris students have been able to learn and deliver.
