ESU 8 Grant Gives N-O Auto Tech Students Safer Equipment

Neligh-Oakdale's automotive class stands proudly with their new two-post lift. Pictured are Aaron Wilson, Cameron Wilkinson, Andrew Herley, Marty Beyer, Nate Buck and Dawson Francis.

Neligh-Oakdale's automotive technology students will now have a better, safer way to work on their projects.

The school was awarded an ESU 8 Perkins grant to offset the cost of a 12,000 pound two-post vehicle lift. Industrial technology instructor Aaron Wilson applied for the grant on behalf of the school. He believes it will help not only with the students' ability to work on the vehicles in class, but keep them safe.

"Right now, we are doing everything off of jacks and jack stands. This is just going to be a more convenient and safer application to lift vehicles," Wilson said.

In order to be eligible for the grant, Wilson's request had to meet four criteria: 1. Be a new purchase, 2. Used for an innovative purpose, 3. Meet industry standards and 4. Be part of a partnership. The request met each criteria and gives the school heavy-duty equipment to work on a variety of vehicles.

"We got the 12,000-pound (lift) specifically so we can lift heavier vehicles. Living in a rural area, a lot of people have pickups. That way we can lift up to 12,000 pounds, so it will lift up to a Silverado 3500 or Ram 3500. It'll lift a rated one-ton vehicle." Wilson said.