BROOKINGS, SD (9-9-26) — From the workshop to the world stage: Northern Tool and Equipment is challenging students from Flandreau Indian School to turn a 1976 Ford F-350 into “America’s Ultimate Trades Toolbox” in a project designed to inspire young people to explore careers in the skilled trades.
The truck was unveiled September 9 at Einspahr Auto Plaza in Brookings, where Matt Einspahr said they’ll be providing some help… “We’ll provide parts, and service manuals and whatever expertise they need to help them; but they’re going to do the work. We’re here to assist and give them advice, but they’re the ones that’re going to be doing all the work, for sure.”
He said the industry needs more automotive technicians, and programs like this help expose young people to careers in the skilled trades… “It’s something that’s attainable for anybody that wants to work hard and put in the effort. And technicians are in need. They’re retiring faster than they’re coming into it right now, so we really have an opportunity for kids to make six-figure incomes by being a world-class technician. It’s pretty cool.”
The students have until May 5 to complete their build. Then in November 2027, the truck heads to Las Vegas where it’ll be featured at SEMA 2027 — the nation’s premier automotive specialty products trade event.
Everall Fox is Superintendent at Flandreau Indian School. He said his students are up for the challenge… “So this is an actual class — an actual welding class at Flandreau Indian School — and so they’ll be earning credit obviously for it, and of course this is going to be their whole curriculum for the entire year.”
He thanked Northern Tool and Equipment as well as the other partners, saying this perfectly fits the school’s philosophy… “That’s what we’re hoping to do at Flandreau Indian School is to kind of lean more into the CTE (Career and Technical Education) area, offer more coursework, and this opportunity getting all these free tools and equipment will help us out, will help us do that.”
Dominick Bitsui is a senior at Flandreau Indian School. He said he’s eager to spruce up the old truck… “We’re going to actually make a moving car. And the paint is going to be really expensive paint, so I think that’s going to be really cool, because putting that on an old car is going to look really nice.”
Partners like DEWALT and House of Kolor are also stepping in to equip the school’s shop and reopen their paint booth to ensure the students are equipped with the right tools for the job.
In a written press release, Joe Escobar — SEMA’s Recognition Program Manager — said this is a win-win for both students and the industry… “This student build is proof that the future of the automotive aftermarket and trades is in good hands. I’m proud to showcase what these students will build, and I’m excited for the industry to see their talent at the 2027 SEMA Show.”
The public is encouraged to follow monthly progress updates on the student’s work — hosted by Jesse James Dupree, lead singer of Jackyl — on Northern Tool’s YouTube channel. The student’s progress will also be the subject of an eight-episode documentary set to premier on the RACER Network in October 2027.
— Brookings Radio News
