Lifelong learning opportunities and enjoying the work along the way are two keys to living an interesting life.  Mike Hogan of Canada has achieved and is reaping the benefits of both.  Since the late 1960’s, Mike has been piloting helicopters in areas of Newfoundland, Labrador, Australia, and New Guinea,  transporting crews to remote locations for government work and for exploration for mining companies. 

“Many of the remote locations have no roads leading to them.  The only way to access them is by helicopter,” explains Mike.

Mike learned to fly helicopters in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1968-69.  He also received some welding training along with a course he took in auto mechanics and owns a few Miller welders.  When he wasn’t piloting choppers, Mike could be found working on cars. 

Most recently, Mike and three other friends have been fascinated with work on late model race cars.  Seeing a need to perfect his pipe and tube welding skills, Mike began to search the Internet, locating the Miller Electric Manufacturing Company web site that is linked to training at Hobart Institute.  Mike landed there, liked what he saw, enrolled in the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program, and began taking classes in March.

Mike plans to use his welding skills in the construction of the race cars.    

“Racing, especially on the one-third mile, oval, dirt tracks is really just catching on in Newfoundland,” says Mike.  “There isn’t much money in it, so we really do it as a hobby and for the enjoyment we receive from it.” 

“I am enjoying the training at Hobart Institute,” says Mike.  “This summer, I also hope to spend some time checking out the race tracks in Ohio before I return to St. Johns, Newfoundland in December.” 

The climate in St. Johns is moderate temperatures ranging from approximately 30 degrees to 70 degrees and races are held seven of the twelve months each year.  The Canadian province is the most easterly point in North America and the closest point of land to Europe.  St. Johns, with a population of 100,600, is a tourist stop for cruises and serves as a port of call for vessels on the North Atlantic.