The Ontario government is investing $5 million to help people prepare for successful careers in Ontario’s forestry sector.
The project will help 150 job seekers and 300 employed workers gain the skills and work experience they need to find jobs or advance their careers in wood product manufacturing and producing in Eastern Ontario.
This will include training in areas like mill and manufacturing operations, field skills and heavy equipment.
Algonquin College, through the Forestry and Wood Product Manufacturing/Producing program, is leading the project, working with employers to upskill local workers and jobseekers.
Algonquin College and Fleming College will work together to ensure broad industry reach and strong stakeholder engagement.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, John Yakabuski, says this is good news for people and businesses in the Ottawa-Renfrew and Peterborough-Haliburton areas and for the forestry sector.
President and CEO of Algonquin College, Claude Brulé, says the Pembroke Campus is uniquely positioned to support the Forest industry given its long history of delivering a Forestry Technician program and deep connections to the sector.
He adds the work of our faculty and staff will benefit both jobseekers and employers in addressing the labour market challenges and workforce development needs of the forest industry.
The President of Fleming College, Maureen Adamson, says the forestry industry is one of the top employers in the Kawartha Lakes region, and a shortage of skilled workers has a significant impact on the economy and recovery for our communities.
She adds they look forward to growing their relationship with Algonquin College.