Southeast Kootenay School District No. 5, WorkSafeBC, College of the Rockies and local businesses teamed up to introduce 24 Grade 11 and 12 secondary students to equipment-operating jobs in the construction industry during ‘Project Heavy Duty’ from May 29 – 31.

During Project Heavy Duty, students from Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie Secondary Schools have been learning about the importance of safety training and receive mentoring from equipment operators as they gain hands-on experience with heavy machinery.

Starting May 29, participants took part in a WorkSafeBC safety orientation and a tour of Teck Resources’ Line Creek Operations and SMS Equipment shop in Elkford. On May 30 and 31, students received first-hand experience with heavy-equipment operation at the District of Sparwood gravel pit. As part of the program, the students previously completed their First Aid Level 1 training at College of the Rockies.

The program, back for a fifth year, is a partnership of local businesses and organizations including School District 5, the District of Sparwood, Teck Resources, SMS Equipment and WorkSafeBC. This educational partnership gave students the opportunity to:

• make contacts with potential employers and understand job expectations;
• increase awareness of workplace safety; and
• promote awareness of heavy industry career opportunities in the Elk Valley.

Lead image: A Line Creek Operations shovel. Photo by Teck Resources

WorkSafeBC

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