The global forest industry is at a tipping point. The industry projections for the next 5 years in British Columbia show a massive increase in timber harvesting and secondary production that will rival the glory years of the 60’s and 70’s. In order to meet the workforce demands that are facing us, the TLA recognizes the need to develop a comprehensive and collaborative community based education and training program that begins in kindergarten and progresses through to post‐secondary degree programs.

Some of the projects the TLA is currently working on include:

LABOUR MARKET PARTNERSHIP

The coastal forest industry requires a highly skilled workforce to build, maintain, and operate its infrastructure. This resource industry cluster is comprised of harvest, planting, manufacturing, processing, pulp and paper and retail commercial suppliers. For the past few months the TLA has been working with the Job, Tourism and Innovations Branch to develop a terms of reference for a project that would be a part of their Labour Market Partnership Program. We are pleased to announce that we have been successful in accessing funds that will assist us in ensuring that we develop a sustainable workforce for the coastal forestry industry. More information about this project will be made available shortly.

For more information on the LMPP visit Labour Market Partnership Agreement

North Island College Woodlands Harvesting Certificate

The TLA Education and Training Sub-committee has been working diligently round the clock to help kick-off the North Island College’s (NIC) newest program, the “Woodlands Harvesting Certificate.” This full time, five-month-long training initiative has received funding approval to support regional delivery beginning in January 2012. Now is the time for interested employers to get involved by taking in students for the “on the job” components of the course, and, in turn, be first in line to glean some newly educated recruits who will be trained and ready to work.
Visit: http://www.nic.bc.ca