The 14th annual heavy metal rock project, proposed by the 73 school district’s trade and transit department, was restarted and returned to Kamloops from April 69 after a COVID-19 hiatus.
Twenty-six 11th and 12th Grade Students, under the guidance of certified forestry and construction professionals, explore career options for heavy machinery operators and provide one-on-one counselling for young people.
Seven of the 26 students are from Balier High School, Becky Bradley, Jake Bradley, Ryan Corie, Nyistoruk, Judge Drake Parent, Spencer Schilling and Tanner Schilling.
The students were selected by an interview panel and received first aid certificates, construction site safety and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Training.
Barriere’s youngsters have been at their best, demonstrating their abilities and winning many awards, including the Jake Bradly, a $500 casino owner’s award, sponsored by Westlund, a division of EMCO; Becky Bradly award — the $500 Student Choice Team Spirit Award, sponsored by kamloops-thompson Principals and Vice Principals Association.
Becky Bradley also won the Stobee Rodeo, fastest women’s time and best girl. Judge Nystoruk won best simulation operator, and Tanner Schilling won best boy for moving a swinging ball through a basket as fast as he could.
“The heavy metal rock project is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to experience the operational aspects of heavy equipment,”said Ron Collins, project chair for 2022. “This project is a valuable resource to address our growing labour shortage in the technology sector.”
The 2022 heavy metal rock project was undertaken by volunteers from 50 companies and sponsors, including worksafe; city of Kamloops; Acres Enterprises Ltd.; Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas; Stobbe Mining Ltd.; Universal Freight and Transportation Inc.; New Gold; Interior Safety Network Ltd.; Extreme Mining; and the Tk’emlúps Secwépemc Indian Band.
