Students get a taste of construction industry with 21st annual Project Heavy Duty

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Local students are getting the chance to learn about career opportunities in construction with the return of the 21st Project Heavy Duty.

Starting on May 26th, Project Heavy Duty is a one-week program offered by School District 60 (SD 60) that allows up to 16 senior high school students the opportunity to learn about and operate various kinds of heavy equipment.

Students will continue to participate in the various activities offered at the Parkwood Southlands development site near 116th Street each day until May 30th. 

Jeff Mayer, the project’s coordinator and teacher at North Peace Secondary School, said the project has gotten off to a good start with students moving dirt and getting a feel for the equipment. 

“It’s up and running, we got a couple of bunches of dirt that needed to get moved right off the hop, so it’s pretty good [so far],” said Mayer. 

The program gives students the chance to see a real job site, get hands-on experience and an exposure to a career in construction, learn valuable resume and interview skills and meet local business people or potential employers.

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

Mayer said the project was able to raise around $330,000 from a large number of sponsors and donors. 

“Thank you once again to the community of Fort St. John and all of our sponsors and donors,” said Mayer. 

“This is a major community event and nobody does it better than Fort St. John in School District 60.”

More information on Project Heavy Duty can be found here.