Project Heavy Duty’s 21st edition set for May 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Project Heavy Duty is on track for its 21st edition for School District 60 (SD60) students from May 26th to 30th, 2025.

Offered by the district, Project Heavy Duty is a one-week program that allows up to sixteen senior high school students to learn about and operate various kinds of heavy equipment. 

Students are selected for the program by submitting an application form and résumé at their high school and being interviewed for the project.

On Monday, September 23rd, Jeff Mayer, a teacher and project coordinator at North Peace Secondary School, presented a program update at the board of trustees’ regular meeting. 

Mayer hopes to continue using the Parkwood Southlands development site near 116th Street for next year’s program but says it has not been confirmed yet, with a ‘promise of intention given at this time.’ 

“Parkwood is my preferred site, if possible, but I am looking for a backup site just in case so if somebody has a site that we might be able to utilize, if Parkwood doesn’t work out, and we usually find out in the new year,” said Mayer. 

According to Mayer, the project raised $70,000 this year in grants and donations and hopes to raise the same amount, if not more in 2025. 

Mayer encourages people to donate to the program, which provides excellent learning and career opportunities for students. 

“We’re looking for our usual donors to help us out, if possible, or any new donors to come forward and say, ‘Hey, we can help out,’” said Mayer. 

The program will also include a barbeque for donors, students, and operators.

More information on Project Heavy Duty can be found on its website or by contacting Mayer at jmayer@prn.bc.ca or by phone at (250) 785-4429 ext 323.