Leavitt Machinery Supports the Heavy Metal Rocks Youth Program

The 9th annual Heavy Metal Rocks program kicks off this week and Leavitt Machinery is proud to be one of the many companies supporting the next generation of heavy equipment operators. This Kamloops-based youth program provides grade 11 and 12 students with an opportunity to get some on-the-job experience as they consider career options. With the help of volunteers, sponsors, and companies who donate time, equipment, and supplies, this program has become an annual success.

This year 27 grade 11 and 12 students from School District No.73 are participating in Heavy Metal Rocks and the group is ready for their hands-on training! The students have the opportunity to learn from industry mentors at the T’kemlups Indian Band gravel pit from April 5th, 2017 to April 8th, 2017 and to operate a variety of heavy equipment. It is the goal of Heavy Metal Rocks to teach students about the importance of safety training and to give them the opportunity to operate machinery. By providing this hands-on experience and having industry mentors on hand, the students are able to hear about what a career as an operator is like as well as experience a piece of it for themselves.

Leavitt Machinery is providing a JLG telehandler and our representatives will be attending the event to give students an orientation and to talk to them about opportunities in the construction industry.

In addition to heavy equipment operation training, the students also receive training in the following areas:

WorkSafe – New Worker/ Young Worker• Orientation training on more than 13 pieces of equipment

Construction Safety – Certificate

Occupational First Aid – Basic – Certificate

WHMIS Training – Basic – Certificate

Leavitt Machinery – Aerial Platform and Forklift Certificate (optional)

This is the 9th year Heavy Metal Rocks has run, and each year more and more students are signing up. It is inspiring to see how many teens are taking an interest in the construction industry, and to support their interest Leavitt Machinery has offered participants additional training outside the program! After trying their hand on several machines, students will be given certificates to Leavitt Training. These certificates are for a free online Forklift and Aerial Platform Theory course, as well as the practical training portion, to be completed at our location using our equipment.

We are proud to support students and help them explore the variety of career options available to them in the construction industry. If you know of any students in the Kamloops area who are interested in construction, sign them up for Heavy Metal Rocks 2018!

*All images were taken during the 2016 Heavy Metal Rocks program.