Jack Van't Spyker is hoping to ignite a spark of interest in local high school students for auto mechanics.

Van't Spyker, of Proper Ford Lincoln, recently donated $56,000 worth of equipment to the auto-shop department of Banting Memorial High School.

The equipment includes a paint booth, paint mixing booth, frame-straightener, laser measuring equipment, two explosive-proof, vented storage cabinets, and materials.

"When we closed Miedema's Auto Body Ltd. in Alliston, rather than selling the equipment, we decided to donate it to the school," said Van't Spyker.

There are several reasons for the decision, he said.

"One problem in our body shop was to get trained help. If we can give people a feeling for the business in high school, they will want to train in it."

Exposing students early on to the profession is the key, but if the school doesn't have modern equipment for students, enrollment in the program won't increase.

"If they don't have the proper equipment, or it's old, they can't be properly trained for the real world."

Van't Spyker said trades jobs across Canada are feeling the labour pinch, and exposing young people to a career as an auto mechanic is a good thing.

He added the school and surrounding community has supported his business, so he wanted to return the favour.

"This is the time to give something back."

Glen Wagner, auto-shop teacher at Banting, said he is fortunate to have such community support of the program.

"With Jack's generous donation, he has advanced the technology in the auto body program by 20 years, bringing it up-to-date with industry," said Wagner.

He said it will also compliment other school programs such as co-operative education and transition to workplace.

The old paint booth at the school was installed with the tech wing in 1965, and the frame straightener is 20 years old.

Wagner said the paint booth was expected to be ready for second semester students.

John Fallis, principal of the school, said it's a luxury to have new equipment.

"We had the space in a room, which was used on and off for various projects, like welding," said Fallis.