Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition
Moving Forestry Forward
The Wisconsin Forestry Center coordinates the Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition (WFCC) to address the urgent need for skilled workers in the forestry industry. With support from an $8 million state Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and in collaboration with many partners, the WFCC is a forestry education and career pathway program. This start-to-finish pathway program covers the full spectrum of forestry, from planting trees and sustainable forest management to timber harvesting, converting logs to lumber, and creating wood products.
The program has three focus areas: educating high schoolers through applied curriculum, training entry-level employees through immersion programs in forest operations and mill technology, and raising public awareness of the forest industry and its careers.
WFCC
- Develop and implement public outreach that increases awareness of the forestry sector and its careers.
- Expand high school forestry education with a certified skill-development curriculum to prepare students for entering the workforce.
- Provide affordable, short-duration post-high school immersion training programs that prepare graduates for stable, well-paying jobs.
- Build career development pathways via credit-eligible certificate programs.
WFCC in the News
Ponsse In-Kind Match Supports Workforce Development Program at U. of Wisconsin, TimberLine, October 2023
Wisconsin Forestry Center Launches Career Pathway Program, Great Lakes TPA Magazine, January 2023
Gov. Evers Visits UW-Stevens Point to Highlight Sustainability Workforce Practices, WSAW, March 2023
This 23-year-old is among those working Wisconsin’s forests. Here’s how the industry is fighting shortages, Appleton Post-Crescent, September 2022.
Wisconsin Forestry Center receives $8 million grant for forest industry pathway creation, WJFW, July 2022
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following companies for their in-kind support:
