My summer at Northwood
7 septembre 2016 19:07 Laisser vos pensées
Summer may be coming to an end but my time here at Northwood is not. Admittedly, I do feel a bit forlorn as I watch all my friends get ready to go back to school in the fall. But then I think of the dreary three hour lectures, bajillion assignments and late night cram sessions before midterms. Suddenly working a four day work week, with evenings and weekends free to do whatever doesn’t seem so bad. Not to mention my days at work basically consist of me exploring the mill looking for steam traps leaks (automated valves that discharge condensate and vent air without losing steam) or investigating energy saving projects around the mill. As an energy management co-op I usually have a number of diverse projects on the go, which helps keep things from getting boring or repetitive. Canfor usually only hires co-op students for eight month terms, which I assent to. Learning about the Kraft pulping process and getting situated at Northwood took a while. During which, I probably wasn’t much help. I feel a little more at ease now, and don’t have to bother Teddy (my supervisor) twenty times a day or so with questions. I think my favorite part of working here, other than my friendly co-workers, has to be seeing all the theory I’ve been taught in school put into action. Funny enough as an applied science, engineering really is easier when being…well applied. However one stark lesson I have learnt working here is equipment doesn’t always work the way it is meant to. But despite being frustrating at times, this does force you to think about the problem more profoundly. Most times it requires you to ask other engineers or operators at the mill for help. Now this is a skill they do not teach you at school. Lucky for me everyone here at Northwood has been extremely helpful, from giving me a crash course in power factors to the operator who helped point me in the right direction when I was lost in the bleach plant.
Working in the forestry industry wasn’t my only new experience. It was also the first time I got to spend a summer in Prince George. I’ve lived my entire life in big cities and love the convenience and culture they provide. However I think I love Prince George just a tad bit more. From the local restaurants, the numerous farmers markets to the countless hiking trails surrounding the city, PG offers an intimacy hard to find amongst the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. I have gotten the opportunity to meet some truly remarkable people here, which come to think of, is probably why I love this city so much. Oh and guess what?? I have even got used to the water!!
To wrap things up I would like to thank FPAC and Canfor for giving me this opportunity to share my experience working in the forestry industry and living in Prince George. I have truly enjoyed every moment of it so far, and am sure I will continue to for the remainder of my work term. If you have been following along with my posts this summer, I hope I have convinced you about how awesome working in forestry, as well as Prince George is. If not, I sincerely feel you need to grab a pair of hiking boots and come check it out for yourself!
Fort George Canyon Provincial Park, 25km south of Prince George.