Cody Stephens
“Thanks again for the course. I have my dream job now and got right into the excavator, and that’s what one I wanted to be in most.”
Pansy Wright-Simms,
Director of Education, Gitanmaax Band
“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” – With the support and patience of O’Brien’s teaching staff; we were very pleased with the completion rate of our members who participated in the training; 99.9% of our members who participated in the training opportunity completed the program; if this isn’t telling of the instructors facilitating this training, I don’t know what is. Thank you, O’Brien Training team, for meeting our members with where they were at.”
Mark Marion
“I took the heavy equipment course with O’Brien Training and now feel confident running equipment. I was determined to get a job in mining. I landed a job right away with Nuna Logistics and I was hired as a rock truck driver and a dozer operator. Thanks O'Brien Training!”
I would like to sincerely thank O’Brien Training Ltd for your partnership, your leadership, and your unwavering support in delivering the Heavy Equipment Operator training program to our members. Your team not only brought technical expertise and high-quality instruction, but also the patience, encouragement, and understanding that our community members needed to succeed.
This program has opened doors for our people – creating new career paths, building confidence, and showing what is possible when the industry partners, Indigenous communities, and organizations like TRICORP come together with a shared vision. O’Brien Training Ltd went above and beyond by adapting to the unique needs of our members, ensuring they felt welcomed, supported, and capable every step of the way.
Your contribution is more than just training; it is an investment in our community’s future, in the skills of our people, and in the strength of our Nation. For that, we are deeply grateful.
Jolene Hawkins, Iskut Education Manager
STUDENTTESTIMONIALS
Joseph Derrick
“I took your training in 2020 (during Covid 19 outbreak) with the help of Tamara Ketlo who, by the way, was super helpful setting it up for me to join during those hectic times. After the training I tried the Forestry sector first because that’s what I loved before getting into Heavy Equipment. I then joined the CGL Pipeline where there were more opportunities for Heavy Equipment Operators and started working for MSJV (Macro Spiecapag Joint Ventures) in Kitimat, BC who then split the following year. I stuck it out with Spiecapag in Houston, BC where the job continued. When that job finished I then joined Macro Pipeline Inc. in Fraser Lake, getting a great deal of experience running all sorts of equipment, which was fantastic to say the least. We all knew the Pipeline wasn’t going to last much longer so off to the Gold mines I went and started with Ascot Gold who went into care n’ maintenance so I continued onto other companies such as Skeena Gold. They were only seasonal so when Newmont gave me a call I jumped at the chance which was the best call ever as I love it up here on the Glacier Mountain’s in Brucejack. Thank each and every one of you for all the help you did in getting the training I needed to succeed in this business especially coming straight off the mountains logging for a living then switching to a successful Heavy Equipment Operator. I see a lot of my Friends getting their training from O’Brien as well and are doing good so keep up the great work n’ I’ll keep passing on the information to all who ask about this fine institution."
Geoff Gray
"I came to O’Brien training with a logging background but with limited equipment experience.
The course curriculum was explained in detail, and I was introduced to Jamie and Rylan who would be taking care of my training. I was taken to an active logging block and placed into a Processor.
Rylan explained the machine, its functions and controls in great detail with an emphasis on safety. Within a couple of hours I was processing logs.
I received consistent 1 on 1 training with my trainers throughout my journey, and was presented new challenges each day. I was given positive constructive feedback, followed by tips and tricks throughout each day, and my skills developed rapidly.
I feel confident going forward into the job market knowing I have the necessary skills to safely operate the processor, and the ability to maintain quality and productivity.
The group of amazing individuals both in the field and in the office are second to none, they helped me in any way they could, and went the extra mile every time. I would not have been successful without the overwhelming support of everyone at O’Brien.
I will be recommending O’Brien training to anyone who is interested in learning the skills required to safely operate heavy equipment.”
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Daisy Henyu
“I am working at Kemess Mine for Centerra Gold as a Heavy Equipment Operator! Very grateful for the course I completed in August 2022 with Justin and Ian! They were amazing instructors, and the course has opened many doors since and will always be grateful and never forget the wonderful experience!”
Darrin Massey
Darrin was born and raised in Prince George. Prior to training with O’Brien Training, he was working various trades jobs such as carpentry and scaffolding. Darrin went down the wrong path that led to a cycle of incarceration. His daughter was coming to live with him upon his release and he knew that with this new responsibility he needed to make a change. After previously falling back into the cycle, he did not want to keep starting over.
This pivotal time in Darrin’s life led him to O’Brien Training in 2008. He knew of O’Brien Training, as his father had worked for the O’Brien family driving dump truck. He always had an interest in heavy equipment operating, although he never had the opportunity to pursue it.
Darrin chose to self-fund his course. He took 4 weeks of training and left with certifications on rock truck, excavator, and dozer.
Darrin landed his first operating job immediately upon completing his course. He became employed with Don Lynn Construction doing reclamation work in Lynton, Alberta. He stayed with this company for 6 years before taking a break to pursue other business ventures, then returning to the industry. He was hired by MSJV Pipeline and is still operating for them to this day.
“I’m very grateful for the career I have. O’Brien Training changed my life for the better on every level and allowed me to break the cycle. I encourage the guys working on the pipeline who want to get into the seat to talk to O’Brien Training.”
Derrick Kasper
“First of all, the training was awesome.
Living on the West coast of Vancouver Island all my life, I wasn’t ready for the cold you guys endure. It’s remarkable really.
Bottom line, amazing training program.
All the teachers and staff are very skilled and well organized. I tell lots of other people about your school.
The 200 hours definitely prepares one to legitimately look for work processing.
Two thumbs up and 5 stars
You have a great training facility."
Vicky Moore
"I wanted to share my sincerely wonderful experience at O'Brien training. I went in with absolutely no knowledge or experience of heavy equipment which obviously heightened my anxiety and such and Justin and Dale, the trainers, where truly exceptional not only in their knowledge and ability to properly train but with their communication and understanding and ability to adapt to each person's learning style. They were always patient and compassionate. Just in the short two weeks there you could feel the family atmosphere of the O'Brien staff not just onsite but office as well. Jaime was a God send and I am truly grateful for her help and guidance even keeping in touch afterwards. It’s thanks to O'brien Training and the amazing staff that I have been able to excel in my new career path and feel competent and safe during my workday. I highly recommend O'Brien Training to anyone."
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Vicky completed her training with us on October 7th and began her new position at Conuma Coal just 3 weeks later.
Congratulations Vicky on your new career path and thank you for the kind words!
Shania Stump
Shania came to us for training at our Prince George training site in April of 2021. Upon completing her course, Shania received certification on rock truck, wheel loader, and excavator.
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“My first job I was hired as a Rock Truck driver. By the end of the first month I started training and became a trainer for new employees who have never been in a rock truck before. When winter came I advanced to a wheel loader operator for snow removal in Prince George. I worked there for one year and the second year I started working at a mine with another company. Right after I was hired I became the main trainer with this company as well, then went to a packer for a month. Now I'm one of the main operators in a wheel loader. For a little bit I was running the loader and screener at the same time by myself. I became the main trainer by the end of my second week of working at the mine. I LOVE training, I don't have patience myself, but for training I have all the patience. O'Brien Training has definitely help me become who I am today as an operator/trainer. I had amazing instructors. I'm looking forward to more open doors and expanding my abilities.”
Ryan Whitehead
"I recently completed a heavy-duty operating course, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. The course was challenging, but it was incredibly rewarding to learn how to operate heavy machinery safely and efficiently. The instructors Justin and Dale were both knowledgeable, patient and supportive, and they made sure i felt confident in my new skills by the end of the course. The course was well-structured and the instructors provided hands-on training that allowed me to apply what I learned in a practical setting. I highly recommend O’Brien Training to anyone who's interested in getting into operating heavy duty machinery!"
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Ryan completed his course in January and shortly after became employed with a landscaping company working for the City of Kelowna.
