Heavy Metal Rocks capped of its 12th year with a class of 30 local high school students receiving their diplomas for completing three days of training in heavy equipment and construction site operations.
“Today we saw 30 students from around our community get an opportunity to train on equipment, learn some incredibly important WorkSafe procedures and prepare them a little bit better in entering our workforce,” says local MP Todd Doherty. “We know that we have skilled trades shortages in the province of British Columbia. We are the economic engine for all of Canada and with all of the projects that are coming online or could be coming online, these jobs are going to be very important.”
Jobs Minister Shirley Bond agrees.
“I think it’s fantastic that the construction association gives young people the chance to try out heavy equipment, to decide if a career in the trades is something they’re interested in.”
Bond also applauds the community effort that goes into the program.
“The sponsorships are amazing, the community spirit that’s behind the event make it a very special event and I am very excited for the 30 young people that got to try out heavy equipment. Hopefully, they’re going to decide on a career in the trades.”
In Prince George, the Northern Regional Construction Association and WorkSafe BC partner up to give local students a taste of the trades. Heavy Metal Rocks also gives them hands-on safety training.
“Having just observed the Day of Mourning, an important component of the Heavy Metal Rocks program is teaching young people about safety in the workplace,” says Bond. “It compels all of us to to work hard to make sure there are safe workplaces and most importantly, we need to educate young people today and their employers.”
Heavy Metal Rocks takes place in half a dozen cities across BC, including Williams Lake, Kamloops and Kelowna.
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