Valley Heights gets a lift
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The transportation program at Valley Heights Secondary School recently got a big lift -both literally and figuratively -courtesy Tigercat Industries.
The heavy machine dealer donated a Toyota forklift to help students to obtain their operator's licence before graduating high school.
"As far as I know we're the only school that has a forklift in all of Grand Erie (District School Board), let alone Norfolk," said VHSS teacher Tom McAleese.
As part of the province's Specialist High Skills Motor program, students learn first aid, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, among other things. Forklift training is optional but often requires off-site transportation and two to three days away from school.
Nowinterested students can learn without leaving the premises.
"It's really good because its free (training) and it gives us job opportunities," said VHSS senior P.K. Klassen. "Most of us are graduating so this will definitely help out in our next job, that's the main thing." The training was led by Sid Leys of the Workers Health and Safety Centre. Once covering the basic controls, students drove around the campus carrying various items and moving up and down.
Much of the course was based around safe operation.
"(There's a) huge amount of safety that you wouldn't think about," said Klassen. "It took a couple days to cover all the safety tips I wouldn't have thought about but that definitely helped." McAleese said the school likely will host training once per year. By being able to provide certification, students immediately make themselves more attractive to potential employers upon graduation, he said.
"These guys are showing up, training in hand, ready to go."
jrobinson@postmedia.com