Bert Bowes students take part in welding camp

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A few grade 9 students from Bert Bowes were handpicked by teachers to participate in a welding camp at the high school this week.

The camp, Mind Over Metal, was hosted by the CWB Welding Foundation and sponsored by the BC Oil and Gas Commission. The four-day camp, which took place at North Peace Secondary School, was designed to teach students new skills, welding safety and welding techniques.

According to Mary Fuke, program manager for CWB Welding Foundation, earlier this week, the camp has been going well.

“We have received nothing but positive news and updates about the progress and overall activities of the students participating,” Fuke said.

“Targeted at Indigenous Grade 9 students from Bert Bowes, the Mind Over Metal camp is changing the perceptions of youth and their parents/guardians about welding, welding-related and skilled trades careers.”

Brian Campbell, district principal of careers and international education of School District 60, said the students in the camp will be attending North Peace Secondary school next year.

“This camp is going to support the transition to the school, and the goal is to continue to support students interested in taking shop classes at NPSS,” Campbell explained.

“Career teachers will also be connecting with them about opportunities in work experience, apprenticeship and technical training at Northern Lights College.”

Fuke explained the youth camps began as a two-week pilot nine years ago and, since then, delivered programming and skills to over 4,000 students across the country.

“While Mind Over Metal youth camps are focused on the 12-17 age range, CWB Welding Foundation does offer and support (with help from our sponsors and partners) Mind Over Metal workshops across the country tailored to an adult participant group,” Fuke said.

Visit their website to learn more about the CWB Welding Foundation and the Mind Over Metal camps.