CMSD82 … Creating Opportunities for Learning, Opportunities for Life

The “Aspect Kickstart – A Workplace Readiness Program” included forklift operation training and certification for Kitimat City High School students.

Aspect Kickstart, a Workplace Readiness Program which is designed and focused to encourage local workforce participation into the Industrial Sector, took place at Kitimat City High School from March 29 to April 9, 2021.   Coast Mountains School District 82 was approached in the fall by Aspect Safety, based in Kitimat, with this unique grant and skills training opportunity.

Twenty students at Kitimat City High School successfully received certification in WHMIS, Rough Terrain Forklift Operation, Aerial Work Platform Operation, Personal Protective Equipment, Fall Arrest, Rigging and Hoisting, Confined Space Entry/Monitoring, Working at Heights, Level One First Aid, H2S Alive, Basic OHS Regulations, Ground Disturbance, Lockout/Tag Out and COVID Safety Awareness.

A Kitimat City High School student receives aerial work platform operation training under the guidance of a Kitimat Aspect Safety trainer.

School District 82 is grateful to have been able to offer this unique opportunity to its students, which will enhance their opportunities to obtain entry-level employment as a labourer or equipment operator in the Industrial Sector upon graduation.

Nancy Tormene, Principal at Kitimat City High School, could not say enough about the program.  “This is one of the best experiences I have seen for our students here at Kitimat City High.  The students were engaged throughout the program and were eager to learn how to drive the forklift and aerial work platform.”

A special thank-you is extended to Aspect Safety for providing students with hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety glasses as well as a $200 gift card for the purchase of certified steel-toed work boots.

Aspect Safety’s owner, Logan Arruda remarked, “It’s been really rewarding for us as a company to be able to come in to an environment where these young students are so receptive, excited and eager to learn about safety in the workplace”.