The first "Women in Industry" program included one day at the Prince George Sawmill.
We appreciate the power of diversity in our workforce, which is why we welcome opportunities where we can spark interest in our industry within those who may not have forestry on their career radar.
As part of this, Canfor recently hosted important awareness tours which included inviting female Aboriginal students from Cranbrook to our mill in nearby Radium Hot Springs. On two separate days, a total of 18 grade 8-9 Aboriginal students spent half a day at the Radium mill, which include a tour of the operation as well as an informal setting to discuss career opportunities and the industry with Canfor representatives.
The first-hand view of the mill helped increase these students’ understanding of the lumber manufacturing process, the technology involved in the process, and about the broad range of career options in the forestry industry.
On a separate occasion, in partnership with the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and the local school district in Prince George, Canfor hosted the first “Women in Industry” initiative in late October. Over 20 grade 10-12 students from various high schools spent one day at our Prince George sawmill and one day at our Northwood Pulp mill. The students’ tour included completing hands-on mini projects at welding, fabricating, electrical and millwrighting stations.
Two separate tours took place at the Radium mill where groups of female Aboriginal students toured the mill.
The students will return for a third day when they will be paired with a trades person in one of their areas of interest. This mentorship day will provide a first-hand glimpse into one of many career options in our industry and ideally help match more females with future trade careers.
We received some great feedback from these events which included, “I never thought I would be interested in trades but after today so many opportunities have opened up. Thank you so much!” as well as, “I’m so glad I took this opportunity and I can see myself here in the future.”
This feedback is exactly what we were hoping for and we hope that all of these tours helped participants realize that a career in forestry is an exciting one and a career that they can seriously consider for themselves.
High school students who participated in the first "Women in Industry" program also spent a day at Northwood Pulp Mill.