Photo: WMC
Ninetysix youth across five provinces will receive paid training, industry certifications, and pathways to meaningful careers in wood manufacturing.
The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) has announced the launch of Connecting Youth to the Canadian Wood Manufacturing Industry, a national initiative that will help 96 youth aged 18–30 facing barriers to employment build careers in Canada's wood manufacturing sector.
Funded through the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), the project will run through March 31, 2028.
The project will deliver eight cohorts of 12 participants across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick, providing paid, hands-on training and direct pathways to employment while helping address the industry's growing workforce needs.
Participants will complete WMC's eight-week paid Woodwork Employee Readiness Curriculum (WERC), featuring project-based woodworking instruction, workplace essential skills, technical training, individualized employment supports, coaching, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Graduates will then move into a seven-week paid work placement, with WMC reimbursing employers for up to 30 hours per week at the applicable provincial minimum wage. This allows employers to provide shop-specific training while evaluating participants for 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 actively seeking industry partners interested in helping shape the next generation of skilled workers. Employers can participate by:
• Hosting an eight-week WERC training cohort at their facility (honorarium provided)
• Recommending experienced instructors to deliver WMC's training program
• Speaking with participants about careers in wood manufacturing
• Hosting a participant for a seven-week paid work placement, with wages reimbursed by WMC
• Hiring program graduates into entry-level positions
Training locations and regional partnerships will be announced as recruitment begins in each province over the course of the project.
The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Canada's wood manufacturing workforce through industry-led training, workforce development, labour market research, and strategic partnerships. Working with employers, educators, governments, and community organizations, WMC develops innovative programs that connect Canadians with rewarding careers in the wood-manufacturing sector.
