SD 60’s Project Heavy Duty needs sponsors

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  School District 60’s Project Heavy Duty is in need of sponsors.

In September 2022, Jeff Mayer, the work experience teacher at North Peace Secondary School (NPSS), announced the project’s return after a short hiatus due to the pandemic.

He says local companies donate machinery and fuel, and students get to work on-site and learn how to operate all types of heavy equipment.

“That’s what makes Project Heavy Duty unique from other programs around the province. These kids are doing real work,” Mayer said.

At the end of May, a group of 15 students will be going to land donated by Parkwood Southlands to learn to operate heavy equipment.

The teacher says the program is still accepting monetary, equipment and fuel donations. Everyone who made Project Heavy Duty possible will be invited to a barbecue in the near future.

A couple of students involved in the project are excited to learn more about running equipment.

“I race dirt bikes, so I’m always on the track, and we’re always running equipment, just moving dirt, fixing jumps and all that,” Hayley, a Project Heavy Duty student, said.

“And my uncle has a farm, so I run tractors all the time for him.”

Another student, Gabe, said he’s been interested in running equipment since he was playing in a sandbox.

“I started as a heavy-duty mechanic with W&M Enterprises, and I found I really enjoyed working on machinery and trucks,” he said.

“I think this is a really good opportunity for me to be able to get a deeper understanding of how that stuff works.”

For more information or to donate, Mayer can be reached at jmayer@prn.bc.ca or 250-785-4429 extension 323.

The full interview with Mayer, Gabe and Hayley can be viewed below: