Arctic Co-op helps local technicians keep repair skills up to date

In the North, having local technicians trained to repair snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles is vital.

That’s why Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. sends instructors into communities around Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to help local mechanics keep their skills up to date.

Kinngait is the latest community where local technicians are receiving instruction in repairing snowmobiles and other motors. After that, the training program moves to Naujaat.

This is the first time the course is being offered in Kinngait, said Sherry Smadella, training co-ordinator for the learning and performance department at Arctic Co-operatives.

And, she added, it’s possible some free repair work could be provided to residents while the course is on, if time permits.

Over five days from Jan. 23 to 27, three mechanical technicians from the Co-op store in Kinngait are learning about two-stroke and four-stroke engines from Jackson Lindell, an instructor from Rankin Inlet.

Subjects being studied range from tools and manuals to testing an engine’s fuel and compression, as well as troubleshooting.

“Snowmobiles and ATVs, outboard motors, boats are the main mode of transportation in the territory,” said Smadella.

Because Co-op stores in Nunavut are authorized dealers of Yamaha and Polaris-brand vehicles, “it is quite vital” that technicians are able to service them in the communities.

“Technicians need some training and we put this course on once a year,” she said.

Smadella said “it’s critically important to properly service any of these machines.”

In recent years, she said, Co-op has been working with Inuit instructors such as Lindell, and “we think that is helpful for the participants because of language. He is quite knowledgeable.

“One of the things that we are teaching this year is how to use computerized diagnostic equipment. It is important to know what the problem is using this equipment.”

The course in Kinngait wraps up Saturday and if time allows, the technicians will service residents’ ATVs and snowmobiles.

“There are already machines in the garage that need repairs,” said Smadella. “If a customer who has the part in the community, as time permits, [technicians] will take in machines and they will provide free service on the machines as long as the customer provides the parts.”

That’s good for the customers, she said, “and the technicians themselves are very appreciative in receiving industry standards training in their communities” and are proud to take part in the course.