Episode description

In this episode of Machine Shop Tech Talk, Arthur sits down with Tim, a passionate advocate for trades education, to discuss his groundbreaking work in bringing machining education to high schools in Calgary. Tim shares how he developed an open educational resource (OER) called Machine Shop Fundamentals, a free online curriculum designed to teach students and teachers the basics of machining, from reading measuring tools to safely operating lathes and mills.

Discover how Tim rallied local businesses, suppliers, and educators to donate tools, provide training, and support high schools in offering machining credits to students. Learn about the challenges he faced, the surprising lack of awareness around machining as a career, and the inspiring results he’s already seeing—like students transitioning from high school to post-secondary machining programs.

If you’re passionate about trades education, community building, or manufacturing, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Tim’s story proves that with a little initiative and collaboration, we can make a big impact in our local communities.