Transforming a Vintage Ford Truck: Flandreau Indian School Students Take on a Unique Challenge
In an exciting initiative, Northern Tool + Equipment has challenged a group of 14 students from the Flandreau Indian School to transform a 1976 Ford F-350 into what they are calling "America's Ultimate Trades Toolbox™." This project, known as Build IV, not only offers students a chance to gain practical skills but also aims to revitalize their career and technical education (CTE) programs. The project marks several milestones: it is the first time the Build is being conducted at a tribal school and notably, half of the participating students are female.
Throughout the academic year, students will dive into a variety of hands-on activities, learning vital skills in areas such as welding, fabrication, automotive repair, painting, and design. They will be working alongside experienced industry professionals who will guide them through the intricate tasks associated with the truck's transformation. The project emphasizes the importance of skilled trades in America’s workforce, with the truck featuring six utility compartments that will display various tools and craftsmanship, embodying the essence of what it means to build and create.
The goal is to complete the project by May 5, at which point the truck will have its first reveal close to Flandreau. However, the grand finale awaits in November, as the completed vehicle will be showcased at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas—one of the largest automotive aftermarket events globally, where it will be presented as a featured vehicle.
"This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn real-world skills and see the potential career pathways available in skilled trades," said Everall Fox, Superintendent of the Flandreau Indian School. He added that Northern Tool approached them with a genuine interest in supporting the students without any expectation of endorsement or commercial gain. It underscores the project’s main focus: the development and future of the children involved.
Mentorship plays a significant role in this project. Students will have hands-on guidance from Keaton Lee, a respected custom painter and builder renowned in the automotive community. Lee expressed his enthusiasm about working with the students, emphasizing the profound impact that this experience could have on their career choices in the future.
In addition to Lee, the team at Einspahr Ford in Brookings, South Dakota, will provide expert support, assisting students in diagnosing problems with the truck and offering insights into professional automotive work. The inclusion of such partnerships underlines how industry collaboration can open doors for students and cultivate opportunities for future careers.
As part of the initiative, Northern Tool will also collaborate with DEWALT, providing advanced tools essential for the build. J. Brooke Roberts, president of Farm Hardware DEWALT, highlighted that equipping students with professional-grade tools connects them with industry standards and practices, greatly enhancing their learning experiences.
Moreover, House of Kolor has committed to revitalizing the school's paint booth and will provide materials for the project. Tony D'Acquisto, Vice President of Marketing for Sherwin-Williams, stated that supporting students in learning these trades not only honors the brand's legacy but also contributes to inspiring the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Following the completion and reveal of the truck, the journey of the students and the entire build process will be documented in an eight-episode television series on RACER Network, premiering in October 2027. This series aims to showcase the students' experiences, challenges, and the valuable skills they acquire during the project.
Overall, Build IV by Northern Tool + Equipment sets a precedent for how educational institutions can collaborate with businesses to foster a new generation skilled in trades. The project illuminates the pathway forward for students interested in pursuing careers in this vital sector and proves that the future of skilled trades is indeed bright in the hands of enthusiastic young learners. As Joe Escobar from SEMA emphasized, this Student Build serves as a testament to the assurance that the automotive aftermarket and trades will continue to thrive, upheld by the talent of these students.
Throughout the academic year, students will dive into a variety of hands-on activities, learning vital skills in areas such as welding, fabrication, automotive repair, painting, and design. They will be working alongside experienced industry professionals who will guide them through the intricate tasks associated with the truck's transformation. The project emphasizes the importance of skilled trades in America’s workforce, with the truck featuring six utility compartments that will display various tools and craftsmanship, embodying the essence of what it means to build and create.
The goal is to complete the project by May 5, at which point the truck will have its first reveal close to Flandreau. However, the grand finale awaits in November, as the completed vehicle will be showcased at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas—one of the largest automotive aftermarket events globally, where it will be presented as a featured vehicle.
"This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn real-world skills and see the potential career pathways available in skilled trades," said Everall Fox, Superintendent of the Flandreau Indian School. He added that Northern Tool approached them with a genuine interest in supporting the students without any expectation of endorsement or commercial gain. It underscores the project’s main focus: the development and future of the children involved.
Mentorship plays a significant role in this project. Students will have hands-on guidance from Keaton Lee, a respected custom painter and builder renowned in the automotive community. Lee expressed his enthusiasm about working with the students, emphasizing the profound impact that this experience could have on their career choices in the future.
In addition to Lee, the team at Einspahr Ford in Brookings, South Dakota, will provide expert support, assisting students in diagnosing problems with the truck and offering insights into professional automotive work. The inclusion of such partnerships underlines how industry collaboration can open doors for students and cultivate opportunities for future careers.
As part of the initiative, Northern Tool will also collaborate with DEWALT, providing advanced tools essential for the build. J. Brooke Roberts, president of Farm Hardware DEWALT, highlighted that equipping students with professional-grade tools connects them with industry standards and practices, greatly enhancing their learning experiences.
Moreover, House of Kolor has committed to revitalizing the school's paint booth and will provide materials for the project. Tony D'Acquisto, Vice President of Marketing for Sherwin-Williams, stated that supporting students in learning these trades not only honors the brand's legacy but also contributes to inspiring the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Following the completion and reveal of the truck, the journey of the students and the entire build process will be documented in an eight-episode television series on RACER Network, premiering in October 2027. This series aims to showcase the students' experiences, challenges, and the valuable skills they acquire during the project.
Overall, Build IV by Northern Tool + Equipment sets a precedent for how educational institutions can collaborate with businesses to foster a new generation skilled in trades. The project illuminates the pathway forward for students interested in pursuing careers in this vital sector and proves that the future of skilled trades is indeed bright in the hands of enthusiastic young learners. As Joe Escobar from SEMA emphasized, this Student Build serves as a testament to the assurance that the automotive aftermarket and trades will continue to thrive, upheld by the talent of these students.
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