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Students awarded scholarships in heavy equipment operation

Jan. 23, 2017 - Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson congratulated the winners of two scholarships from Vancouver Island University’s heavy equipment operator program at the TLA’s 74th Annual Convention & Trade Show, “In It For The Long Run. 

This year’s scholarship winners, Mitchell Dixon and Tye Mckie, are fully committed to working in the forest industry. In fact, like many forestry workers, they are outdoors people who look forward to working in the forest they already hike, bike and camp in.

"I commend Mitchell and Tye for pursuing careers in the forest industry. Forestry is vitally important to B.C.'s economy and the backbone of many rural communities. Over the next few years, more jobs will continue to open up and I encourage all young people to consider working in the woods," said Thomson. 

The two $5,000 scholarships, created three years ago, are jointly funded by The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) and Chevron Canada. “Education and skills training in the trades is critical to the future success of the forest industry, and the overall economic prosperity of British Columbia. It is a privilege to award these two VIU student scholarships alongside the minister,” said Adrien Byrne, Chevron spokesperson.

“The TLA invests around $80,000 annually on forestry education in B.C. through our TLA Forestry Education Fund,” said David Elstone, TLA executive director. “These particular awards are close to the TLA’s heart as they allow us to invest in students that will likely work for one of our timber harvesting members.”




The TLA (Truck Loggers Association) represents 470 independent forest contractors and their suppliers operating on the coast of British Columbia. Our membership supports thousands of workers and, along with other independent contractors, accounts for close to 90% of the trees harvested on the coast. The TLA promotes a thriving, sustainable coastal forest industry in B.C.

 

January 23, 2017  By Truck Loggers Association


Heavy equipment operator students Mitchell Dixon and Tye Mckie accepting their scholarship cheques at the 2017 TLA Convention. Photo:Brenda Martin

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