The TradeWorks program at Thomas Jefferson is doing taking appointments from teachers for oil changes on teachers’ cars. This is a good hands-on learning experience for the students.

“It’s a small service shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” said Mr. Nathan Clausen, one of the two TradeWorks teachers at TJ. “We are just doing basic servicing and checking everything is running good. They also had to do research on the cars and what type of oil to put into the different cars,” said Clausen.

“We are changing the oil on teacher’s cars and the filters,” said junior Julio Diaz.

Girls and boys can learn how to do things like this, and use it when they are adults.

“Yes this is a good learning experience because I will be able to use it in the long run,” said junior Josh Christensen.

At this time, there is no plan for students to get their oil changed.

“Well, we’ve tossed around that idea,” said Mr. Terrance McGurren, the other TradeWorks teacher. “Sometimes we are letting TradeWorks kids work on their own vehicles,” to maintain consistent practice.

The people in TradeWorks Academy are learning real-life, employable job skills, and can use them in the future even if they don’t make it a career.