What is Project Heavy Duty?
Project Heavy Duty is a new program to School District #60 where approximately twenty-four students in Grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to learn about and operate many kinds of heavy equipment. Under the close supervision of qualified operators students receive hands-on training with heavy equipment such as crawler/dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks and a variety of logging equipment on a job site.
Who is supplying all the equipment and services needed for Project Heavy Duty?
Numerous local contractors, businesses and other agencies have been very generous in supplying equipment and operators, facilities, fuel, food, first aid, security, communications equipment and other services required for the project. A list of project sponsors is provided on this website.
When and where will Project Heavy Duty take place?
The project is scheduled for seven full working days, beginning Friday, May 23 through Friday, May 30, 2008. Students selected for the project do not attend regular classes during that time. The job site is situated just west of the CNRL office on the Airport Road.
What safety precautions are being taken?
Safety is of utmost concern to all those involved in organizing Project Heavy Duty. Students will receive training in first aid and site safety as well as listen to presentations from Worksafe BC personnel before entering the work site. All Worksafe guidelines for standard work sites will be followed on the site and students will receive one on one safety instruction from qualified operators before operating each piece of equipment. Qualified operators will be on the equipment at all times with student operators and site supervisors will be assigned to each area of the project.
Note: Absolutely no horseplay will be tolerated on the site at any time.
What are the benefits to students participating in Project Heavy Duty?
Students who take part in this project benefit in many ways:
- hands-on experience with heavy equipment adds to skills for possible future employment
- exposure to different career choices
- opportunity to meet local business people and potential employers
- experience on real life job site
- learn valuable skills relating to safety at the workplace
- learn various job application skills, ie.writing applications, resumes, interviews
How are students selected for the program?
Students fill out an application form at their high school and may be interviewed to get into the project. Students from North Peace Secondary, Hudson’s Hope, Prespatou and Distance Education are eligible. Factors to be considered in selecting students for the project include:
- career goals
- positive work attitude
- strong interest in the project
- regular school attendance
- keeping up in educational program
Where can I find more information on Project Heavy Duty?
Doug Boyd, Director of Instruction - 262-6000
Richard Koop, Project Coordinator - 261-1456
Don Goodbun, Industry Consultant - 261-0127
