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By Nick Sigler

At Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom through our popular Industrial Arts program, which gives students practical, hands-on skills. Courses in general shop, woodshop, metal shop鈥攊ncluding welding鈥攁nd auto shop give students the opportunity to work with real tools, real materials, and real projects. While many aspects of modern life are becoming increasingly digital, these classes remind students that the ability to build, repair, and maintain physical things remains an important and practical way to contribute to the world around them.

In woodshop and metal shop, students learn the fundamentals of craftsmanship and fabrication鈥攎easuring, cutting, shaping, assembling, and welding materials into finished, useful projects. In woodshop, locally gathered wood from fallen trees on campus is processed through Rio Lindo鈥檚 portable sawmill, allowing students to see the process from start to finish as they transform raw materials into items such as furniture and cutting boards. Along the way, students gain something just as valuable as technical ability: the confidence to solve problems and adapt when things do not go as planned. Senior Chris Ermshar stated, 鈥淏eing in woodshop class has taught me that even when I make a mistake, there are always ways to go back and fix it with a little creativity.鈥�

Metal shop continues that learning as students work with durable materials and real-world tools. Students gain experience with plasma cutters, welders, shop tooling, and engineering. A highlight is the yearly group project where students develop skills in project teamwork, engineering, design, and fabrication. Some past projects can still be seen serving the campus today, including a trailer used by the grounds department and the front gate where everyone enters the campus. Junior Kyler King stated that metals,
鈥淗elped me to develop skills that I didn鈥檛 know before, but I am sure I will be able to use to help others in the future.鈥�

Together, these experiences help students develop practical skills and the confidence to apply them in an ever-changing world. Whether preparing for adulthood, entering the workforce, continuing their education, or serving in mission settings, the ability to build, repair, and create can make a meaningful difference.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, the Industrial Arts program at Rio Lindo reminds students that practical skills still matter. With a growing shortage of trained vocational workers across the country, Rio Lindo is leading the way by equipping students with hands-on expertise that many schools no longer provide. The habits learned in the shop鈥攃areful work, persistence, problem-solving, and craftsmanship鈥攑repare students to be capable, resourceful contributors wherever they are called to serve.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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