Growing opportunity for students in Alberta’s forests By Emma Kniel
I
n Alberta, the word ‘forestry’ often evokes specific images: lumberjacks, plaid, chainsaws and large logging equipment. What is often missed are the countless other pieces to one of Alberta’s largest resource industries. Currently, the forest industry is a massive source of career opportunities for youth. The Alberta Forest Products Association launched the Work Wild campaign in 2011 in response to an industry-wide labour shortage. The campaign informs youth on sustainable forest management practices and provides resources on the variety of rewarding career opportunities in Alberta’s forest industry. Before any harvesting happens in Alberta, professionals must create complex management plans that span 200 years into the future. These plans do not just account for wood supply; they must also plan for healthy water systems, robust wildlife habitats, natural forest disturbances and prosperous
18 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2021
