Barriere Secondary School (BSS) was represented in the School District 73 Heavy Metal Rocks Program by five students chosen to participate; Tristan Brackman, Trayton Vesper, Jack Greenwell and Dustin Pawloff.
This trades orientated program provides the opportunity for students to gain work experience and exposure to operating a variety of heavy equipment; from excavators, bulldozers, forklifts and graders, to packers, rock trucks, aerial lifts and skid steer loaders. Another benefit of the program is the opportunity for students to meet and network with local business owners, managers and operators, which often leads to job offers and potential future employment.
This year, the event took place at the Tk’emlups Indian Band gravel pit. During three days they rotated through 13 different stations, experiencing different types of heavy construction equipment, under the direction of experienced operators who also act as mentors. There was enough equipment loaned for all 26 participants to be operating their machines at the same time.
In lead up to the program, participants were required to undergo a series of safety training orientations, in addition to acquiring first aid tickets and WHIMIS certification.
This year, BSS students represented very well, with Dustin Pawloff receiving a $500 bursary for Top Operator, and the other four finishing in the top five of various time trials and skill challenges.