Forestry for the future | Council of Forest Industries

We’re ready for the next generation

Electricians, scientists, mechanics, innovators, operators, engineers, foresters – these are the people that will grow healthy forests and expand the B.C. economy. With 50% of the workforce retiring in the coming decade, the forest industry is creating jobs and careers, and discovering innovative new ways to use wood.

We will be hiring over 25,000 people in the coming decade

There is an upcoming demographic shift in the workforce, as 50% of the skilled workforce will be retiring over the next ten years. With this shift comes diverse job opportunities in areas such as trades, skilled labour, 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.

We’re growing taller buildings, using made-in-B.C. wood and technology

B.C. is at the cutting edge of innovative wood uses. At 18 stories high, the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia is the tallest mass timber building in the world. The massive beam and panel products are just as strong as steel and concrete, while being much more environmentally friendly. Wood structures are also much faster and more efficient to construct, and have a greater seismic resistance than many traditional building materials.

B.C.’s forest industry is the largest 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 B.C. 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 in the northern-central interior of British Columbia. The program provides current, balanced and factual information for educators and students about B.C.’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 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. Twelve $1,500 entrance scholarships will be offered each fall to students planning to undertake post-secondary studies leading to a career in the forest sector. For more information, download the scholarship package. To apply, complete the application form. Applications for 2020 are due June 30, 2020.