The province is investing more than $2.4-million to support forestry training programs in northwestern Ontario.
The programs will help get people working by providing them with the technical and job-ready sills they need as well as job placements in the industry.
Confederation College is receiving $1,193,456 in funding to help 144 people gain the skills needed to work in the forestry sector.
Training will take place in Nakina, Kenora, Thunder Bay and White River.
It will focus on skills and experience needed for mechanical harvesting equipment operators, wood processing basics, control systems and life skills training.
The money is also being used to support a Nishnawbe Forestry Operation and Sawmill Training program, led by Oshki-Pimache-O-Win.
The project will help 56 Indigenous workers and unemployed job seekers prepare for careers in forestry-related professions and will include on-the-job exposure to silviculture, sawmill and harvesting operations training.
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Ross Romano says the funding will help people receive on-the-job training while allowing them to live in their home communities.
Student Raymond Shebagabow is happy with the skills he’s learning on-the-job through the Anishinawbe Forestry Operator Training and Apprenticeship program.
