A collaboration between the Interior Logging Association and the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Williams Lake will prepare 16 underemployed or underskilled individuals for job opportunities in the forestry harvesting sector.
Premier Christy Clark made the announcement at the annual Truck Loggers Association convention Thursday.
The $311,905 investment made available through the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund Agreement, will help address a critical skill shortage of heavy-equipment operators recently identified by a cross-industry coalition of forest sector companies and organizations
“The Interior Logging Association is teaming up with Thompson Rivers University to help underemployed individuals fill shortages in the forest sector workforce. This type of collaborative effort opens up employment opportunities in rural and First Nation communities and contributes to a skilled workforce in B.C.’s forest sector,” says chair Reid Hedlund.
First Nations, displaced workers, recent immigrants, and unemployed youth who don’t qualify for federal Employment Insurance benefits are being given first priority for the training according to Clark.
Her announcement will also see funding for two other contracts:
- $75,830 for the Interior Logging Association to collaborate with the TRU campus in Kamloops to provide specialized training to 4 individuals as log truck drivers in the southern Interior and Cariboo
- $168,970 for the BC Forest Safety Council to partner with Taylor Professional Driving in Prince George and with Selkirk College and Mountain Transport Institute Ltd. in the West Kootenay-Boundary region (Castlegar) to deliver log truck driver training to 8 individuals.
Through the Canada Job Fund, the Government of Canada provides $500 million annually to the provinces and territories for investments in skills training. Under the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund Agreement, the Province receives a total of $65 million per year.
(Files from Government of BC)
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