By: Korie Marshall
Valemount Secondary students participated in a new program this year at school, designed to give them a look at the world of heavy machinery operation.
Rock and Road Valemount is a new annual program developed by Valemount Secondary School to give them a basic overview of heavy equipment operation.
The skills and attitudes developed will help students pursue future full-time employment in the field of heavy machinery, say program coordinators Jamie Mintz, youth worker, and Brian Hanson, career prep counsellor and teacher. It also provides secondary school students with the opportunity to focus on training and experiential hands-on instruction that is not available in the regular school system. The program aims to give kids an opportunity to explore local career options and a chance to understand the requirements of heavy duty equipment operation.
This year 10 students from grades 8 to 12 participated in the 2-day program, carried out onsite at two local operations that use heavy machinery – Valemount Stone Company and Lakes District Maintenance. Both companies volunteered their time and experience to help make the program a success in its first year. Contact the school if you or your company is interested in getting involved with the program next year.
