New WMC Initiative to Train 96 Young Canadians for Wood Manufacturing Careers

The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) has launched a national employment initiative that will provide 96 young Canadians with paid training, industry skills and work placements in the wood manufacturing sector.

The Connecting Youth to the Canadian Wood Manufacturing Industry project will operate through March 31, 2028, with funding from the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. It is aimed at youth aged 18 to 30 who face barriers to employment.

The program will deliver eight cohorts of 12 participants across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Participants will complete WMC’s eight-week paid Woodwork Employee Readiness Curriculum, which includes project-based woodworking instruction, workplace essential skills, technical training, individualized employment supports, coaching and personal protective equipment.

Graduates will then move into a seven-week paid work placement with participating employers. WMC will reimburse employers for up to 30 hours per week at the applicable provincial minimum wage, allowing companies to provide shop-specific training while assessing participants for potential permanent employment.

“Canada’s wood manufacturing industry continues to face significant workforce challenges,” said Audra Denny, President of the Wood Manufacturing Council.

“This project creates opportunities for young people who are eager to build meaningful careers while giving employers access to motivated, job-ready participants. By combining practical skills training with real workplace experience, we’re helping participants develop lasting careers and supporting the long-term sustainability of our industry.”

WMC is also seeking wood manufacturing companies and other industry partners to participate in the initiative.

Employers can host an eight-week training cohort at their facilities, recommend experienced instructors, speak to participants about careers in the sector, provide seven-week work placements or hire graduates into entry-level positions. WMC said an honorarium will be provided to companies that host training cohorts.

The council will announce training locations and regional partnerships as participant recruitment begins in each province over the course of the project.

The initiative is intended to address two related challenges facing the sector: creating employment pathways for young Canadians and helping manufacturers develop a pipeline of workers with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The Wood Manufacturing Council is a national non-profit organization focused on workforce development for Canada’s wood manufacturing industry. Its activities include industry-led training, labour market research and partnerships with employers, educators, governments and community organizations.

Learn more here.