The date was May 7th – my second day on the job as a control systems engineering student. After a full day of orientation, training videos, and paperwork, I was eagerly anticipating my tour of the sawmill– a facility that turns raw, freshly-chopped wood into rough lumber, which then moves on to the planer mill for further processing. As I stepped into the mill, the rhythmic whir and buzz of machinery immediately filled the air, immersing me in a completely unfamiliar industry. Following closely behind my supervisor and gripping the handrails, we ascended to the top of the catwalk. From there, I gazed down upon rows of conveyors stretching across the expanse of the mill. The sight was awe-inspiring – the machines operated with precision and power, seamlessly carrying out their tasks.
I marveled at the complexity involved in turning logs into lumber using such advanced equipment. Who knew that the simple act of turning a log into lumber would require such advanced, powerful machines? Excitement surged within me as my supervisor guided me through each section of the mill, revealing even more machinery at work. The prospect of spending the next eight months working alongside these impressive machines filled me with anticipation.
This was a huge change to my life, but one that I was more than ready for.
Several months ago, during the Winter academic semester, I felt the urge to finally gain some experience working in the industry. I was nearing the end of my mechanical engineering education, but I did not have any industry work experience. Recognizing the gap in my practical knowledge, I embarked on an intensive internship application spree driven by my eagerness to gain hands-on experience. Needless to say, my excitement soared when Tolko offered me a position as a control systems engineering student at their lumber mill in High Level, Alberta. Filled with a mix of exhilaration and determination to excel, I dedicated the next four months to researching and acquiring relevant information for my upcoming role. I managed to gain a somewhat rudimentary level of understanding in the various topics required in order to excel in the future.
Before I realized it, the day of my relocation to High Level arrived swiftly. The brief two-hour flight concluded at the airport, where I met my supervisor face-to-face for the first time. Several days later, as I neared the end of my sawmill tour, my mind brimmed with anticipation for the diverse projects and tasks awaiting me over the next eight months. This period promises to finally challenge the knowledge and skills I've cultivated through my university education.
Now, just over three months later, I've been entrusted with a significant project that promises to challenge my mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills honed through both university education and the knowledge I’ve gathered on-site over the past few weeks.
Here's where it all starts. I'm Kevin, a control systems engineering student, and I'm absolutely thrilled to begin documenting my journey into the forestry industry for the rest of the summer.
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