Students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School (TRSS) are incredibly fortunate to have many community partners participating in the Work Experience Program (WEX). West Moberly-Industrial Metalwork (WM-IMW) is the most recent to join that list.
WEX is a BC Ministry of Education Course. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to “try on” careers they are interested in, build their skill set and make valuable connections that will support them in their career journey.
While working on their career paths, there was a lot that identified a trades focus, specifically in welding. The high school reached out to West Moberly Industrial Metalwork, they were excited to learn more about the program, and on January 18, the first group of students got to tour the work site.
Students have since been busy working on cover letters and resumes to submit for an opportunity to start a placement in their second semester.
Industrial Metalwork Inc. (IMW) is a Mining Maintenance and Fabrication company based out of Grande Prairie, Alberta and Tumbler Ridge. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) are the key core values for Industrial Metalwork. In all aspects IMW incorporates ESG as its highest priority in their daily business practices. One of the core pieces that IMW has truly amplified on is the social aspect of their company which reflects the communities of where they live and work. The relationship between Industrial Metalwork and West Moberly First Nations began at the end of 2021 starting as initial mutual agreement to explore upcoming opportunities in the mining and oil and gas sector in Treaty 8 Territory.
As the relationship grew, the partnership was able to open the West Moberly Industrial Metalwork shop in Tumbler Ridge, servicing the nearby mines for mining maintenance. With this opening the Limited Partnership (LP) was generated. This LP with West Moberly is built on core values of social responsibility, and a mission to develop meaningful, high-value relationships through their daily practices and projects they take on. These relationships include community employment, investment, and economic growth. Together they aim to build stronger communities and bring exceptional quality to all projects.
All projects that are generated through the shop in Tumbler Ridge are partnered with West Moberly First Nations encompassed in the ESG initiatives and commitments for Industrial Metalwork. These efforts and the creation of an indigenous owned corporation aligns the partnerships goals of contributing to a sustainable community. Revenues generated through this LP are used by West Moberly First Nation to fund programs that are not funded adequately through the Federal Governments Base Funding. These programs include education funds, elder’s programs, housing assistance, language, caribou population studies, family care and nutritional programs.
The Work Experience program at Tumbler Ridge High School reflects WM-IMW’s goals for the facility in Tumbler Ridge. The goals include not only thriving as a company in Tumbler Ridge, but also assisting in building the community where they live and work. The opportunity to bring in young community members to learn about the welding trade and build skills for these young workers is something that WM-IMW is truly passionate about.
