Quality Control Wood Products Summer Intern; West Fraser
I have been working on quality control at West Fraser – Hinton Wood Products, where I am responsible for ensuring the quality of production. This job combines both mental and physical labour, making it interesting and engaging. In the office, I monitor live data on my computer, and if any metrics deviate, I must identify and go to the shop floor to resolve the issue. I also prepare daily reports and analyze data using Excel. On the shop floor, I measure the dimensions of boards from canters and edgers, visually inspect the debarking of logs from barkers, and check the condition of boards from trimmers.
During this co-op term, I have gained professional knowledge related to lumber quality control, such as visually assessing board quality and adjusting machine parameters to change board sizes. Additionally, I have improved my communication skills and gained confidence in public speaking. Beyond these skills, I have met many inspiring people whose outlooks on life have encouraged me to think more about my future. I have also realized the importance of studying, motivating me to pursue further knowledge. This co-op job represent my first step into society, making it a valuable and meaningful experience. I believe that co-op programs are beneficial for all students, as they foster personal growth and we will not truly understand our true career aspirations without firsthand experience.