Heavy metal rocks again in Kelowna
Kelowna, September 23, 2009 — Twenty-six high school students from Kelowna’s School District No. 23 will experience first-hand what it’s like to operate heavy road building and construction machinery as part of the Heavy Metal Rocks program at the Emil Anderson construction pit from September 23-26.
Running for the second year in Kelowna, this job experience program gives students the opportunity to work with machinery such as a bulldozer, grader or a heavy equipment simulator under the direction of trained operators. There is no cost to the students with more than 40 local companies generously donating their time and equipment for the program.
“Heavy Metal Rocks is an excellent way for our youth to explore careers in the construction industry and work with and around heavy equipment,” said Kelly McRae, Career Programs Facilitator with School District No. 23. “It’s great to have the equipment operators share their expertise and mentor our students while they operate a number of heavy pieces of equipment. We appreciate all the sponsors and donors from our community to make this event possible.”
Prior to working at the pit, students and their parents received an overview of the project by representatives of School District #23. Students are also provided a complete safety orientation to the site and personal protective equipment including a hard hat, high visibility vest and safety glasses by WorkSafeBC. Level 1 First Aid Training is given and an introduction to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is conducted by First Response Training and Safety Professionals.
“We are extremely pleased to be a support to the school district in providing young people with the information and tools needed to work with heavy equipment as they consider this option as a career choice,” said Shawn Mitton, WorkSafeBC Regional Prevention Manager. “Providing these young workers with safety orientation and training is our priority. Our goal is to create attitudes towards workplace health and safety that will stay with these students throughout their working lives.”
“Road building and construction is a challenging and rewarding career choice for students,” says Mike Jacobs, President of Emil Anderson Construction. “EAC was founded in the mid-1930’s so clearly this is an industry that can weather tough economic times. Working together with other local companies and the school district, I’m proud to be able to give these students a head start on their training.”
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. The organization is committed to safe and healthy workplaces and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits.
To arrange an interview or for more information please contact:
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To arrange an interview or for more information please contact: |
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| Michelle McLeod |
Lisa Harrison |
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