On one of the first sunny warm days in early April, Delview students had the opportunity to attend a day of events organized around industry and the trades. The morning started with a guided tour of the works yard for BC Ferries - the basin near the Massey Tunnel where all the maintenance is done on the BC Ferries fleet.
Students donned hard hats and safety glasses and descended into the belly of "The Queen of Oak Bay" to find out about the machinery and engines that power this ferry. Groups toured the shops where many of the trades people who maintain the fleet (carpenters, painters, machine fabricators, welders etc.) demonstrated the work they do.
From the top deck of "The Queen" students watched the testing and deployment of the emergency chutes and pontoon life boats (some students wanted to try out the chute which resembles a giant trampoline but this was discouraged). They also visited the brains of the ship - the bridge deck and control room. Our management guides gave talks to our students about the opportunities, options and career paths in the trades emphasizing the importance of math, science and other subjects. BC Ferries staff were not only impressed by the questions and curiosity shown by our students, but complimented our group on their respectful and mature behaviour while on a worksite that requires safety awareness.
