Thirty-two CNC students graduated the Heavy Equipment Operator program Friday

Prince George, B.C. – A new group of College of New Caledonia students has graduated and is ready to enter the work force operating heavy equipment.

Thirty-two students in the college’s Heavy Equipment Operator program graduated on Friday, ten each (8 males and 2 females each) in Prince George and Vanderhoof and twelve students (10 males and 2 females) in Mackenzie.  The program was targeted towards students who would not normally be able to access this type of training.

A key focus requested by industry supporters of the program was to provide students with extensive hands-on equipment operations training coupled with industry-recognized safety training.  Students worked within the Industry Training Authority’s curriculum and had 200 hours of time on the machines.

Major funding for the program came from the Ministry of Jobs, Skills and Tourism but there were several industry partners that made in-kind donations in the three communities in which the program was offered.