Don Kayne
It’s that time of year – when masses of students head back to school. Whether they are returning to their program of choice or beginning a new one, I am most excited for those pursuing a career in the forest products industry. I’ve said it before and continue to believe that there has never been a more exciting time to join this industry; it offers diverse career opportunities and is one that I can proudly say is leading the fight against climate change.
I am also proud to know that Canfor is financially supporting a large group of students through scholarships and bursaries that we fund. The 2016 scholarship total will be finalized later in the year but in 2015, Canfor provided 58 scholarships, which are in place at Canadian and U.S. universities, as well as at high schools in our operating communities. This translates to $80,000 worth of financial support through our scholarship and bursary program.
As an active and supportive member of our operating communities, Canfor works with both secondary and post-secondary institutions to provide financial support to students pursuing studies in the field of forestry. Canfor’s scholarship programs support forestry, wood products manufacturing and engineering studies, as well studies in those trades employed by the forestry industry. Canfor also offers special scholarships for high school students from our operating communities, children of Canfor employees, and First Nations students who are pursuing a career in our industry.
In addition to our established scholarship and bursary program, we’re also very pleased with the success of our partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, where we have established and deliver a unique course for fourth-year forestry students. Now in its fourth year, forestry professionals from Canfor teach students directly, focusing on operational practices in harvest planning and implementation. The program also includes several field trips that allow additional first-hand exposure to actual forestry operations and management.
Best of luck to all students embarking on their studies.
To learn more about Canfor’s scholarship opportunities, visit the Scholarship/Career Development area of our website.
– Don Kayne is Canfor's CEO and president.