Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Spencer Mielke

Heavy Metal Rocks

Heavy Metal Rocks a unique, hands-on opportunity for students

Apr 14, 2023 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Heavy Metal Rocks program is back for its 15th year. The program allows 32 students from SD73 to experience operating heavy equipment and machinery. It was a different experience for many as sitting in an excavator is definitely a change of pace from sitting at a desk at school.

Across the three-day hands-on event, students got to test out excavators, bulldozers, cranes and other various equipment.

“It’s not just about coming up here and having fun on the machines. This year we had an excess of 50 applicants,” program chair Ron Collins told CFJC Today. “We take 32 students into the program but everyone who submits an application receives a formal interview. There are several days of training prior to coming up to the pit that must be completed.”

More equipment was brought out this year due to the increase in students. Certain machinery seemed more challenging than others as students tried their best to manoeuvre the vehicles.

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Certified operators gave students one-on-one mentorship and guided them through safety measures and instructions on how the equipment works. Students are absorbing all the knowledge they can in the short amount of time they have with the instructors.

TRU welding student Miles Danburger gave high praise to the volunteer instructors.

“Everyone teaching me has been amazing so far. They are great at showing what to do and what not to do. They keep everyone including themselves safe. They really give perspective on what their day is like when they are at work logging or at a construction zone. They just make sure we’re getting the best experience being here,” said Danburger.

Students received initial certifications in first aid, site safety, forklift operation and aerial platform lift operation. But they will still have extra work to do to become a certified operator.

“We always stress that students aren’t coming out of this program as a qualified equipment operator,” added Collins. “It is an exploratory program, so the students get several certifications as well as three days of hands-on experience in the pit. From that experience they can decide whether or not they want to continue on being an equipment operator.”

The students can take what they learned here and apply it to the workforce, if they decide to pursue a trade. Many students are graduating high school this year so courses are available at universities like TRU so they can further their skills.