Students explore careers in heavy construction
Prince George, B.C., May 1, 2009 —Today, thirty-two School District No. 57 high school students are working on heavy machinery as part of Heavy Metal Rocks, a program that provides on-the-job experience to students as they consider career options.
Students will work with heavy equipment common to the construction industry at the Inland Concrete Pit Site on North Nechako Road.
“Heavy Metal Rocks is an example of what happens when a community comes together,” says Tim Power, CTC coordinator for the College of New Caledonia. “Equipment operators, construction companies, equipment dealers and major contractors are working together to make this project successful.”
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. Young workers who participate at Heavy Metal Rocks not only learn the importance of proper workplace training, but their newfound experience also provides a good foundation for a successful career in construction.
“The project’s young workers develop not only knowledge but also relationships,” says Rosalind Thorn, president of the Prince George Construction Association. “These students meet prospective employers who believe in nurturing the future people of construction.”
More than 60 companies and 30 operators have donated equipment, services and expertise to conduct the needed instruction, supervision and demonstrations for today’s event.
“The greatest challenge in achieving injury-free workplaces is developing a true safety culture,” says Bruce Clarke, WorkSafeBC’s regional prevention manager. “Thanks to those involved with Heavy Metal Rocks, we are one step closer to achieving that comprehensive safety-first philosophy.”
Heavy Metal Rocks began as a Vanderhoof-specific initiative that included both the construction and mining sectors. The program has since expanded to various communities around the province.
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 BC’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: |
|
| Gladys Johnsen |
|