A group of young people have been touring the Island to learn about engines.

Through his Spring Automotive Clinic Dr. Larry Franklin has helped teenagers learn skills needed to maintain an automobile as well as the skills to become a successful adult.

For 30 years Dr. Franklin has devoted his life to helping others as a counsellor, teacher and missionary. Now with his clinic he is helping fill in the gap left by many schools that no longer offer automotive classes in their curriculum.

This year the clinic, held over spring break, educated six students aged between 12 and 15 in basic automotive maintenance and general automotive knowledge.

The week-long course gives students experience in how an engine works in cars, ferries and buses. Additionally students are taken around the Island to see some local auto service providers and the work that they do.

"On my property I have an old car that we use as a practice vehicle," said Dr. Franklin, who has a PhD in automotive science. "We use the car to identify various components and learn how to service an automobile. The students learn basics like how to change oil, change the tyres and maintain spark plugs."

But the course is not limited to cars. According to Dr. Franklin, he and his students take field trips to relevant sites around the Island.

"We went for a ride on the ferry and went into the cockpit to learn about various important components like GPS and radar, we also took a look at the engine and how that works," he said. "We also visited the machine shop in Dockyard before getting a guided tour of one of the tugboats that help bring the cruise ships into port.

"We went down inside the engine, saw the massive propellers and learnt about how the whole thing works. We took a look at the bus depot, visited a paint and body shop as well as a few auto service providers around Bermuda."

Dr. Franklin emphasised the need for young people to learn automotive skills and the lifeskills that he as a counsellor incorporates into the programme.

"Regardless of their chosen career path, it really is important to know these things," said Dr. Franklin, who also has a PhD in counselling. "And along with mechanics I try to incorporate some counselling and life skills into the programme. I try to teach them how to conduct themselves, dress appropriately and become well-rounded. Employers are looking for well-rounded individuals involved in different things with experience in many fields, I try to give them an incentive to succeed."

Dr. Franklin admits that the students sometimes don't see the value in the course. Sometimes they are forced into it by their parents and it was not necessarily their idea. But he said a conversation which he recently overheard between two of his pupils provided a heartening moment for him.

"The other day two of my students were talking and I was lucky enough to over hear part of their conversation. One of the boys said to the other 'I did not want to do this at first, but now I am really glad I came'."

Dr. Franklin said he was destined to help others and work with young people. "No matter where I am or what I am doing, there is a component in me that always comes forward helping people," he said. "As long as I live, as long as I have half a breath in body I will be there to service the community and young people in particular."