For 18 years, the Kamloops-Thompson School District’s Heavy Metal Rocks program has offered hands-on career exploration opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers as heavy equipment operators in a variety of industries. 

The success of the program has grown over the years, and this year’s event included more students and industry partners than ever before—expanding participation from 32 to 40 students and increasing the number of stations from 16 to 20 (10 Construction stations and 10 Forestry stations). 

Forty Grade 11 and 12 students (eight more than last year) from secondary schools across the district were chosen by an interview panel to take part in Heavy Metal Rocks from April 8–11, 2026 at the Tk’emlups Indian Band Gravel Pit. 

Participating students gained experience operating heavy machinery with one-on-one guidance and mentorship from certified operators and mentors. As part of the program, students also received certifications in first aid, site safety, WHMIS, forklift operation, and aerial platform lift operation.

New experiences this year included mine rescue operations and practical job readiness support. New Afton Mine guided students through the new Mine Rescue station, helping students build confidence in their technical competence in mine rescue operations.

Additionally, Excel Personnel met with each student to provide practical guidance to help them plan their transitions from program participation into employment or further training. This included support with resume development, interview preparation, understanding employer expectations, and workplace communication and professionalism. 

There are only a handful of similar programs in the province, making Heavy Metal Rocks a remarkable career exploration opportunity for students and a valuable resource in addressing the growing demand for skilled trades workers.

2026 Heavy Metal Rocks Student Award Winners

• Best Overall Student Operator: Lukas Gordon, NorKam Secondary
• Best Overall Student Operator (Construction): Bryson Cowell, Logan Lake Secondary
• Best Overall Student Operator (Forestry): Kaelen Williston, South Kamloops Secondary 
• Best Overall Student Operator (Female): Katie Biagioni, Clearwater Secondary
• Best Overall Student Operator (Indigenous): Trey Draeger, Brock Secondary
• Most Improved Rookie Operator: Grace Farrow, Barriere Secondary
• Steering Committee Choice Award: Brooklyn Baker, TREC
• Steve Rothman Pit Boss Award: Hayden Stanley, Sa-Hali Secondary
• Student’s Choice Team Spirit Award: Anandini Fournier, @KOOL
• Exemplary Safety Award (Construction): Clara Tremblay, Barriere Secondary
• Exemplary Safety Award (Forestry): Oliver Sison, Valleyview Secondary
• TRU Award: Brandon Dupuis, Sa-Hali Secondary; Hoss Fletcher, Brock Secondary
• Stobbe Rodeo (Mini-Excavator) Competition – Fastest Female Time: Brook Hanson, Brock Secondary (2 minutes, 8 seconds)
• Stobbe Rodeo (Mini-Excavator) Competition – Fastest Male Time: Hayden Stanley, Sa-Hali Secondary (56 seconds)
• Forestry Skills Competition Fastest Time: Kaelen Williston, South Kamloops Secondary (5 minutes, 29 seconds)

Heavy Metal Rocks is made possible thanks to the Heavy Metal Rocks Steering Committee and volunteer efforts of over 120 companies and sponsors within our community. 

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration