Forest Industry Launches Greenest Workforce Recruitment Campaign and Internship Contest

MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), with support from the Government of Canada, is today launching TheGreenestWorkforce.ca, a resource tool that provides information on the dynamic direction of the industry and career opportunities on offer right across the country.

The industry is also launching a competition to give eight promising students across Canada a paid Green Dream Internship that includes a four month paid summer placement at a forest products company, an iPad Mini and a chance to win $5000.

"The forest products sector is now a future oriented business that is brimming with opportunity. It is now hiring and offering solid careers for those who care about their future, the environment and their quality of life," said David Lindsay, President and CEO of FPAC, speaking at PAPTAC's Annual Paper Week event held in Montreal.

Under Vision2020, FPAC has a set the goal of recruiting at least 60,000 or more workers by 2020 to meet the growing demand for such professions as millwrights, electricians, engineers, sales staff, truck drivers, foresters, chemists and many more.

"Our government's top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, so it is imperative that we match the skills of Canadians, especially younger workers, with the needs of the employers," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "Through our partnership with the forestry industry, we are helping young Canadians to receive the skills and training needed to address skills shortages in the forestry sector and prepare them for future careers."

"We invite Canadians to visit the Greenest Workforce website to see the exciting opportunities now available. We also want to encourage students to consider applying for the internships to receive job training, skills development, and real-world experience within our growing sector," says Lindsay.

The contest requires students to submit a short video explaining why they would be perfect for a Green Dream Internship. Applicants receiving the most votes for their video attempt will get on a short list for interviews for the paid summer positions.

The contest and voting period starts today and ends March 31, 2013. For more information, visit TheGreenestWorkforce.ca.   You can find more information on FPAC's Vision2020 at: www.fpac.ca/index.php/en/vision2020/

SOURCE: FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA