Port Alberni workers move from forestry into green construction
Port Alberni job training helps laid-off forestry workers shift into green jobs 15 trainees found work, and a new cohort could add more skilled local hires soon
Port Alberni, B.C., is seeing a shift in its local workforce as mill closures and layoffs continue to affect the region’s forestry sector.
The City of Port Alberni has teamed up with IGV Housing, North Island College and WorkBC to train residents for jobs in green construction and manufacturing. The first cohort finished the program, with 15 trainees completing it and all of them finding work: 12 joined IGV Housing and three were hired elsewhere.
A second training group is underway and is expected to add another 15 employees when it wraps up on June 19. Partners in the program say it is helping local workers build new skills while supporting housing and more sustainable construction work close to home.