School District 27 partnered with many businesses from Williams Lake and 100 Mile House, along with volunteer instructors to host the first Heavy Metal Rocks programs in the South Cariboo. (12) grade 11-12 students took part in the two-day program at 61 Mile Gravel Pit in 70 Mile House.
All the students took part in WHIMIS and received their Occupational First Aid Level 1 and BC Alliance CSTS9 along with resume writing at Peter Skene Ogden SS School before they could participate in the hands-on training. 3 girls and 9 boys made up the HM Rocks class this year with Dave Corbett Coordinator Career Programs at SD #27 Cariboo-Chilcotin leading the program.
From May 23rd to the 24th the students operated various types of equipment from a grader to a logging truck loader (Butt N Top Loader) in teams of two with a qualified instructor/trainer with them at all times.
For the first year the program went very well, and Dave Corbett was very grateful for the amazing support from the community. “Every phone call I made looking for help for the program was a yes we’ll help! I applaud this community for their enthusiasm and willingness to help” Dave Corbett.
The 100 Mile House Lions Club cooked up hot lunches for the students and Tim Hortons provided coffee, donuts and muffins. High Tec Water supplied water for everyone. It all wrapped up by noon on Friday with lunch and an awards ceremony. All the students received a certificate of completion. Others were recognized for their skills, help and input.
Rocky Ashton a local contractor with over 35 years experience in the construction and forest industry kept a close eye on all the equipment and students as they moved from one machine to another.
“I think the last two days went very well and its great to see all the smiles on your faces.” Rocky told the students. Ashton congratulated all the kids and thanked all the trainers/instructors and the volunteers that helped make the program a great success in its first year.
Other awards that were handed out were for most enthusiastic operator going to Mikenzie Anderson, safety award to Dylan Young and Trey Wandler for operating skills all from Finning Tractor.
Special wards from West Fraser Mills to Kaylee Mailhot for the Safety Excellence Award $500
Norbord Excellence in Forestry Equipment Operations and Safety Award went to Colton Lang $500
Casey Lang was recognized for his role as an instructor, Casey was in the Heavy Metal Rocks program 7 years earlier in Williams Lake as a student.
Dave Corbett said “Its been a great time, the students have learned a lot over the past few days and they’re all smiles. Next year we look to do it again and expect the program to grow with more support from this amazing community”
