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Heavy Metal Rocks comes to Kamloops
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- Backgrounder (PDF 30kb)
Kamloops, B.C., April 3, 2009 —Today, twenty-eight School District No. 73 high school students are working on heavy machinery as part of Heavy Metal Rocks, a program designed to provide on-the-job experience to students as they consider career options before returning to class next week.
At the T’Kemlups Indian Band gravel pit, the students begin the day by operating a crane simulator funded by the Operating Engineers. Later, they progress onto road building and construction equipment under the direction of an experienced operator who also acts as a mentor.
“Many companies, sponsors, and individuals volunteered hours, equipment, and supplies, to make this a success,” said Greg Howard, District Principal of Trades and Transitions. “This program allows 28 excited students to experience working with big machinery, demonstrating to them more career options than those normally offered in the public school system.”
Prior to working in the pit, students and their parents received a complete overview of the project. To prepare themselves for today, these young workers received hazardous materials and worksite safety training from WorkSafeBC officers. They also completed their Occupational First Aid, Level 1 certification outside of class time. Through their preparation for today, the students learned the importance of proper training and qualifications required for life-long careers.
“Heavy Metal Rocks is an innovative way for high school students to explore career opportunities in the construction industry,” said Jennifer Marte, the Southern Interior Construction Association’s Education Coordinator. “We believe there will be an upcoming demand for skilled workers. This is an ideal time to explore and prepare for a career in this sector.”
More than 21 companies have donated equipment, services, and expertise to conduct the needed instruction, supervision, and demonstrations for today’s event. Modeled on a Prince George initiative that included both the construction and mining sectors, Heavy Metal Rocks has expanded to various communities around the province.
“These programs have been held in other communities over the last few years and have been a great success,” said Peter Gilmour, WorkSafeBC’s regional prevention manager. “Students get a practical, hands-on experience with the equipment combined with safety training that gives them a good understanding of the hazards involved. The students learn how to work safely and at the same time gain a good foundation from which to make a career choice.”
WorkSafeBC is an independent provincial statutory agency governed by a Board of Directors that serves about two million workers and more than 200,000 employers. WorkSafeBC was born from the historic compromise between B.C.’s workers and employers in 1917 where workers gave up the right to sue their employers and fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to safe and healthy workplaces and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits.|
For more information, contact: |
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| Gladys Johnsen |
Greg Howard |