Mentors Input

[thefro526]

Who builds robots/where?

816 builds our robot in the Shop Attached to our Pre-Engineering Classroom, and the robot is primarily student build.

Do you have dedicated space/machine shop?

Yes, and no. 816's team is based primarily out of the Pre-Engineering Program at BCIT Westampton, and the head mentor is the Pre-Engineering Teacher so the Robotics team essentially takes over the space during build season but it returns to being a classroom after build.

Do you rely on corp. sponsors to build?

No, we don't really have any corp. sponsors...

Who manages the team/students?

The head mentor/Pre-Engineering teacher manages the majority of things.

How involved is your school?

BCIT Westampton gives the robotics program money each year, but other than that they're not really involved.

How involved are your students parents?

This varies. Some parents are very involved and travel with the team (my mom did when I was in HS) and others just help here and there.

What is your teams operating budget?

Anywhere between 15k - 20k per year.

How do you get compensated, besides the obvious joy of watching your students grow?

I am not compensated as I volunteer and I also pay for my own travel, but the mentors/advisors from the school are compensated similarly to sports coaches. Also, the mentor/advisors do not pay to travel, except in some cases.

What is your typical build season schedule?

Monday - Thursday 3pm - 9pm, Friday 3pm - 5:30pm, Saturdays 9am - 3pm, Some Sundays and Holidays follow the Saturday Schedule.