On Wednesday May 15th the first ever 100 Mile House Heavy Metal Rocks class gathered at Peter Skene Ogden SS School for an orientation to the equipment operating course. David Corbett, SD 27 the Career Programs Coordinator was very happy to be able to bring the program to the South Cariboo for the first time. Corbett said “In the past students have traveled to Williams Lake for the program so it’s great that we can bring the program here.” Corbett also mentioned “The support from local businesses and individuals willing to help out with the Heavy Metal Rocks program in 100 Mile House has been unbelievable; everyone I’ve spoke with were very positive.”
Rocky Ashton, a local business owner who has been operating heavy equipment in the construction and forest industry for over 35 years spoke with the 11 students in the classroom. Ashton was glad to see three young ladies sign up for the program. “Women are rapidly becoming leaders in heavy equipment operating in mining, construction and the forest industry. Ashton said. Women are very focused and operate equipment efficiently.”
Rocky talked to the students about the fundamentals of operating heavy equipment. Ashton is very passionate about what he does for a living and the importance of doing the job right the first time. He talked about the cost of maintaining equipment and the importance of safety on the job site. Ashton said “Many operators have been injured just climbing in and out of equipment the wrong way.” Ashton is a Red Seal certified operator/contractor and will be at the 61 Mile gravel pit on May 23rd & 24th to help David Corbett and the other trainers oversee the program.
The PSO students will begin operating equipment at 10 am on Thursday morning, operating various pieces of equipment including; excavators, front end loader, skidder, dump trucks and a bulldozer. The program will wrap up around 12:30pm on Friday May 24th with a BBQ and awards ceremony to follow.
