EDMONTON,
Jan. 5, 2011
(Market Wire) -
Alberta's forest industry has launched WorkWild, the most comprehensive forestry career awareness program in Canada. Developed by the Alberta Forest Products Association and industry partners, the program targets youth in Alberta's forest-based communities.
The innovative program is designed to present a modern image of forestry and the diverse range of careers it offers. It includes the WorkWild Ambassador Team - a team of industry employees who visit community events, high schools and career fairs to share information about the industry. The team is supported by a website, WorkWild.ca . It features information about jobs, career opportunities, education, training providers and available financial support including a listing of scholarships valued at more than $180,000.
"With WorkWild, we're investing in the future and preparing for an economic turnaround by attracting young people to the industry," said Alberta Forest Product Association President and CEO Brady Whittaker. "We want Alberta youth to understand that they can build a rewarding career in forestry, continue to enjoy the lifestyle offered in their communities and work in an industry that is compatible with their values."
The program is designed to reach young people in popular venues and includes non-conventional advertising (such as bathroom wraps), contesting, social media, as well as the web content. A contest that will award three iPads and an iMac computer will encourage youth to access the website.
"Today's forest industry is both high tech and environmentally responsible, two factors that make it appealing to Alberta's youth," said Whittaker. Alberta's forest industry manages for long-term sustainability, harvesting at levels below natural growth rates and growing two trees for every tree cut. In Alberta, 61 per cent of the province's forestlands are third-party certified to a sustainable forest management standard, demonstrating the forest industry's commitment to sustainable forest management.
Alberta's forestry industry generates direct, indirect and induced revenue of more than $5.5 billion annually and providing total tax revenues estimated at $200 million.
To view the WorkWild Fact Sheet, click the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/WildFS.pdf
