Forestry for the future | Council of Forest Industries

We’re ready for the next generation

BC’s forest product industry supports about 50,000 direct jobs in urban and rural communities across the province, and is creating more opportunities in areas such as trades, skilled labour, environmental management and business administration. Many of these jobs are located in smaller, affordable communities where the residents enjoy short commutes, beautiful scenery, and a good work-life balance.

Exciting job opportunities await you in the forest sector

The forest industry is creating jobs and careers, and discovering innovative new ways to use wood. Electricians, biologists, mechanics, data analysts, engineers, foresters – these are the people who are proud to be taking care of BC forests, supporting strong communities and producing products that are a good choice for the planet.

BC is growing low-carbon products for the world

BC produces a broad array of forest products – from dimensional lumber and pulp and paper to a wide variety of value-added products including cross laminated mass timber, glulam and veneer. Whether used in affordable housing, commercial buildings or recyclable packaging, these carbon-storing products – made from our renewable forest resource – are increasingly playing a role in the global fight against climate change.

BC’s forest industry is a key bioenergy producer in North America

Forest and sawmill residue such as bark, sawdust, and wood chips can be converted into a green energy source that can power mills, ensuring that no part of the tree goes to waste and lowering the industry’s carbon emissions. While there has been a focus on energy production in recent years, it is now recognized that bioenergy is just one of many opportunities that exist to create a more diverse bio-economy in BC by using wood in innovative ways.

We’re educating students about opportunities in the forest industry

COFI’s Forest Education Program supports students from grades 5-12 across British Columbia. The program provides current, balanced and factual information for educators and students about BC’s rich, world-class forest resources and the educational and career opportunities that are available in the forest industry.

COFI’s Forest Education Program offers virtual and in-classroom presentations at local schools, hands-on workshops, multi-day orientations, and teaching resources for teachers to use in the classroom. For more information, contact our Forest Education Manager, Jim Costley at forest.education@cofi.org.

We offer scholarships for the next generation

Since 2007, COFI has offered scholarships intended to encourage the next generation of leaders to choose a professional, technical, or trades career in the forest sector. Thirteen $2,000 scholarships are offered each year to students planning to take post-secondary studies leading to a career in the forest sector, including three COFI Indigenous Forestry Scholarships in partnership with New Relationship Trust Foundation.