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Valley students to be Project Heavy Duty hands-on
Local businesses and organizations are teaming up to introduce Elk Valley Grade 11 and 12 secondary students to equipment-operating jobs in the construction industry during Project Heavy Duty from May 6-8.
The program, back for a sixth year, is an educational partnership between School District No. 5, the District of Sparwood, Teck Resources, SMS Equipment and WorkSafeBC.
During Project Heavy Duty, 24 students from Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie secondary schools will learn the importance of safety training and receive mentoring from equipment operators as they gain hands-on experience with heavy machinery.
Starting Monday, May 6, participants will take part in a WorkSafeBC safety orientation and a tour of Teck Resources’ Line Creek Operations (pictured) and SMS Equipment shop in Elkford.
On May 7 and 8, students will receive first-hand experience with heavy-equipment operation at the District of Sparwood Middletown property. As part of the program, the students previously completed their First Aid Level 1 training at College of the Rockies.
This educational program will give 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.
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