The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the federal government has launched a new online tool – thegreenestworkforce.ca – that provides information on the direction of the industry and career opportunities across Canada.

“The forest products sector is now a future oriented business that is brimming with opportunity,” said David Lindsay, president and CEO of FPAC in a Feb. 6 speech in Montreal. “It is now hiring and offering solid careers for those who care about their future, the environment and their quality of life,”

FPAC has a set the goal of recruiting 60,000 workers by 2020 to meet the growing demand for millwrights, electricians, engineers, sales staff, truck drivers, foresters, chemists and others.

Federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley said job creation remains a top priority of the government in matching younger workers with the needs of the employers.

"Through our partnership with the forestry industry, we are helping young Canadians to receive the skills and training needed to address skills shortages in the forestry sector and prepare them for future careers.”
The industry is also launching a competition to give eight promising students a “Green Dream Internship” that includes a four month paid summer placement with a forest products company, an iPad Mini and a chance to win $5000. Contestants must submit a video explaining why they would be perfect for the internship. Applicants receiving the most votes for their video attempt will get on a short list for interviews for the paid summer positions. The contest and voting period ends March 31.