Industry News News
BC government offering advanced forestry skills training in Nanaimo

The B.C. government is offering advanced forestry skills training for 24 eligible British Columbians as part of a new Community and Employer Partnership (CEP) project.

Stillwater Consulting Ltd. will receive approximately $775,000 from the B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to provide the skills and certification courses for this program.

Participants in the project will get 16 weeks of occupational and employability skills training, three weeks of on-the-job experience with local employers and two weeks of support to help as they look for a job in the field.

As part of the project, participants will be able to earn four certificates: Occupational First Aid – Level 3, Basic Chainsaw Operator, Basic Fire Suppression and Safety – Fire Entrapment Avoidance and Pesticide Applicator – Agriculture General.

The project begins today, Feb. 8, and activities will run until July 2.

“The Advanced Forestry Skills Training program is becoming recognized around the province as the benchmark in forestry training,” said Jody McInnes, president and senior project manager, Stillwater Consulting Ltd., in a statement. “Stillwater is excited to be able to provide students with the technical skills, certifications and practical experience sought out by employers in the forest sector. In this unprecedented time, many people are evaluating their career goals in search of safe and meaningful work. The experiential training style of this program enables students to explore a wide range of job opportunities while gaining practical skills favoured for working in the outdoors.”

A second intake of the project will take place from May 17 to Oct. 8. Those interested can contact their local WorkBC centre.