Canfor’s operations in Canada overlap with First Nations’ traditional territories, and we are committed to increasing the participation and advancement of First Nations employment and training.
Program participants and Canfor personnel from L-R: John McCracken, Sawmilling Superintendent; Eric Harding, Kristian Blue, Danny Desharlais, Danell Greyeyes, Jade Chipesia, Rosco Daniels, Susan Kelly, Talent Acquisition Specialist Manager; Amy Rose, Aboriginal Relationships.
Canfor recognizes the unique strengths and experiences that come from First Nations. To increase training and employment activities within Canfor, we have created a first-of-its-kind three-month Work Experience Program, which is currently underway in our Fort St. John, BC location.
The three-part program includes training in workforce readiness with the North Eastern Native Advancement Society (NENAS), a host of Canfor classroom training, and job shadowing with a variety of supervisors at our mills. Participants will learn five facets of operations, which are key to employees in our mills: personal safety, plant safety, logs to lumber, plant equipment and organizational structure.
This program provides four training positions to prepare Nation members for the workforce and the opportunity to gain valuable forestry and trades work experience. To help with the success of this program, Canfor has worked with First Nation communities and with NENAS, which is providing program instruction.
This exciting program is a first for Canfor. The objective is to train Nation members for success within Canfor and we look forward to supporting successful candidates build their skill sets and prepare them for a potential career in our industry.