A Winnipegger is looking forward to inviting people into his workshop, giving them the tools to use tools.

Clay Pike is opening up his garage to teach children how drawings can become realities and adults things like how to do an oil change. The mechanic got his start with cars when he was 14 years old after a neighbour in Nova Scotia showed him the ropes. When his family moved to Winnipeg, he gained two more mentors.

"I was lucky to have some really great mentors," Pike says. "What really got me going, was when I was in high school, I went to Winnipeg Technical College for automotive class, with Garry Schwartz and Mr. Zimmerman, and they really really turned that page for me, to get me going."

Listen to the interview here

 

He now is now a Red Seal mechanic. Pike works in Rankin Inlet, a hamlet in Nunavut on the edge of Hudson Bay. He works up north for three weeks at a time and will be setting up free workshops for children and adults when he gets back.

"They believed in me. I figured if I believed in some other kids, my own kids, I can make a difference."

Wanting to give people the same experience, Pike is sharing his love of cars. He says he sees how many people have not had the opportunity to learn hands-on skills and wants to give people the chance to learn.

clay and sonPike (left) has experience teaching his son, saying it would be a dream to teach other children. (Supplied)

"I plan on setting up some workshops in my garage if anybody wants to come by, I'll show them how to do some stuff like oil changes, brakes, and tire changes."

He wants to create a spot where younger children can turn a drawing into something real. He will also be teaching them how to use basic tools, fire safety, and other garage skills.

"I am really excited about teaching the kids. I love kids, I love watching them grow, even my kids. And I love giving them the power. They have it, but it is just to realize 'hey I can do this' and once it is done 'wow is that satisfying and I am proud of what I did."