The Forest Products Association of Canada is opening up nominations for its annual skills award for aboriginal youth, as part of its continuing effort to encourage more aboriginal workers to consider a career in the forest sector.
The award will honour a First Nations, Metis or Inuit individual with strong academic standing who is committed to their field of study and to a job in the forest sector. The $2,500 award is targeted at youth from 18 to 30 who are now enrolled in a post-secondary program.
“Aboriginal communities and the forest products industry have a long history together,” said David Lindsay, FPAC president.
“It is vitally important for the forest sector to reach out to our neighbours and partners in rural forest communities, including aboriginal youth.”
Under Vision2020, FPAC has set the goal of refreshing the workforce with an additional 60,000 workers by the end of the decade. This includes a desire to hire more aboriginals, as well as more women and new Canadians.
Nominations for the annual skills award for aboriginal youth will be open until Oct. 31.
Information on how to apply can be found at: www.fpac.ca/youthaward
