LP Building Solutions Boosts Education for Future Forestry Workforce

LP Building Solutions, a significant player in the forestry industry, is set to enhance its investment in education to support the next generation of forestry professionals. During National Forest Products Week in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2023, the company announced plans to expand its partnerships with both ForestryWorks and the First Nations Forestry Council.

With mills located in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, LP Building Solutions has been a staple in the Peace region for decades. The company established its oriented strand board (OSB) plant in Dawson Creek in 1987, which transitioned to a siding mill in 2019, while the Fort St. John mill commenced operations in 2005. This expansion of educational partnerships aims to cultivate a skilled workforce in the forestry sector.

ForestryWorks, part of the Forestry Workforce Training Institute founded in 2018 in Alabama, focuses on providing education, career awareness, and hands-on training. Its goal is to create a robust pipeline of skilled forestry workers. In tandem, the First Nations Forestry Council will continue to offer scholarships through the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program, aimed at First Nations students.

Lennard Joe, Chief Executive Officer of the BC First Nations Forestry Council, praised LP Building Solutions for its commitment to workplace diversity. “We’re pleased to welcome LP Building Solutions as a program partner in advancing Indigenous participation in forestry through the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program,” Joe stated. He highlighted that expanding the scholarship program to encompass both academic and trades streams is crucial for developing long-term employment opportunities for First Nations across British Columbia.

The increased investment from LP Building Solutions signals a promising future for Indigenous students interested in pursuing careers in forestry. The company’s commitment to education and workforce development aligns with the ongoing efforts to promote diversity within the industry.

Energeticcity.ca has reached out to representatives at LP Building Solutions for further insights on how these initiatives may impact Indigenous students in the region. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.