These monthly meetings bring together education, private industry, government, non-profits, and tribes for conversation and connection. These opportunities provide space for those working in the forest sector to discuss specific topics, learn from each other, and identify ways to address workforce challenges.
Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month from 10am-12pm PT. Click the register button to be added to future communications with meeting details. Contact Pathways Program Coordinator, Erin Feeney with any questions or to suggest a topic.
January 21st 1pm-5pm | Workforce Workshop at the World Forestry Center
This workshop will bring together diverse forest sector stakeholders together for an afternoon focused on ways to strategically advance workforce development in the region. The workshop will be followed by an evening social with attendees from the Mapping the Course conference. Register for the workshop and social here.
February 19th 10am | Virtual via Zoom – Topic TBA
March 19th 10 am | Virtual via Zoom – Topic TBA
April 16th 10am | Virtual via Zoom – Topic TBA
The Forest Sector Workforce Development Working Group was created in January 2024 out of the Mapping the Course conference to provide a space for forestry stakeholders to discuss and address the multifarious labor challenges facing every area of the sector.
Past meetings
December – Rayonier’s Forestry Careers website
Rayonier’s Director of Communications & Chief Storyteller, Tiffany Wilson, along with Senior Resource Land Manager, Ed Carter, will join the group to share information about ForestryCareers.com. The website seeks to introduce students from middle school to college to the many Green Jobs the forestry industry has to offer. With a focus especially on the commercial forestry industry, this site shows that there is a forestry job for everyone. This website can be used in the classroom or on an individual level. School teachers, guidance counselors and parents are encouraged to review the site with students. ForestryCareers.com is meant to serve the entire forestry industry.
November – California Resilient Careers in Forestry project and will highlight the innovative workforce initiatives happening in California. Don Borges of FoundationCCC will share information on California Resilient Careers in Forestry with project partners Ted James of Shasta College Heavy Equipment Logging Operations (HELO) Program and Lisa Hoveman from California Registered Apprenticeship Forest Training (CRAFT).
California’s forestry and firefighting industries are looking for thousands of individuals like you who want to solidify their careers and build a lasting impact. Our goal is to help you explore career pathways and find accessible training programs that lead to a rewarding future. California Resilient Careers in Forestry is funded by the Good Jobs Challenge, which is part of the American Rescue Plan, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The Shasta College Heavy Equipment Logging Operations (HELO) Program is a one-of-a-kind effort to increase workforce capacity in areas of fuels reduction, mechanized logging, and sustainable forest management. Our HELO program is funded by California Climate Investments and administered by the CAL FIRE Forest Health grant program in collaboration with public agencies, private industry, and employer partners.
California Registered Apprenticeship Forest Training (CRAFT) is the only one of its kind in California. The program is designed and managed by industry, supported by education, & registered with California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards and Department of Industrial Relations. This structured training and education program combines on-the-job (OJT) training and classroom-based related supplemental instruction (RSI) that benefits both employer and apprentice. The future is apprenticeship!
October – Efforts of Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) and Future Natural Resource Leaders (FNRL) in creating a Forest Operator industry recognized credential (IRC) in Oregon
September – Connecting with the Mass Timber Movement. Mass Timber overview from Scott Barton-Smith from Bora Architecture and Interiors with industry status, challenges, and opportunities from Iain Macdonald of Tallwood Design Institute and the PNW Mass Timber Tech Hub
July – Forest Sector Stakeholder Mapping
June – Forest Sector Workforce Surveys
Forestry and Forest Products – Career Connected Learning Survey
Forestry and Forest Products – Workforce Development Survey
April – Role of Skill Centers in Forestry & Natural Resources Career Pathways