BC Forest Industry to Help Fund Trade and Technology Programs

Forestry sector leaders including Canfor, Hampton Lumber, Interfor, Mosaic Forest Management, Paper Excellence, Tolko, and West Fraser, and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council have joined forces and contributed $2.5 million (CAD) to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Inspire Campaign. The contributions will benefit students in more than 20 trades and technology programs that are critical for the future growth of B.C.’s renowned forestry sector.

Paul McCullough, BCIT’s interim president, said, “BC is facing a demand for an estimated 85,000 new trades jobs over the next decade. The generous donation from our forestry partners to the new Trades and Technology Complex will help ensure future BCIT students have access to the best tools, instruction, and equipment needed to be job ready.”

The Trades and Technology Complex is expected to be a major economic stimulus. The various projects will employ a wide range of construction trades and specialists in the design, project management, and technology sectors. The project’s capital value of $220 million is estimated to generate between 950 and 1,175 direct jobs with an equivalent number of indirect jobs.