Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Learning for Students and Educators
This summer, three unique learning experiences show how we invest in people and build stronger communities. From girls discovering new skills at a trades camp in Quesnel, British Columbia, to teachers touring our Joanna, South Carolina, OSB mill and our Whitehouse lumber mill in Florida, West Fraser is helping open eyes — and doors — to the future of forestry.
Quesnel: Building Confidence and Skills
Held July 7 to 10 at the West Fraser sawmill barn in Quesnel, the All-Girls Discover Trades Camp brought together a group of curious and motivated young learners for four days of skill- and confidence-building through hands-on exploration. Participants rotated through sessions in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and more — taking on projects such as bending metal into copper bracelets, wiring extension cords and building mini greenhouses.
West Fraser employees played a key role throughout the week, leading equipment demos, offering behind-the-scenes tours and sharing their own career stories. The camp wrapped with a celebratory BBQ and certificate ceremony, attended by families, volunteers and community partners.
“Thank you to West Fraser for your continued support — it truly makes camps like this possible,” said Lisa Scott, Catalyst, Apprenticeship Promotion and Progression, Construction Foundation of British Columbia. “Watching these girls gain confidence as they explored new tools and trades was incredible. The skills they built — and the memories they made — will stay with them.”
Joanna: Empowering Educators
Our Joanna mill hosted a different kind of learning experience — this time for teachers. As part of the Forestry Commission of South Carolina’s SC Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Tour initiative, a group of educators visited the facility to learn more about forest operations, sustainability practices and the wide range of careers in the industry.
The visit included a guided mill tour led by Jonathan Hill, General Manager, and Chris G., Procurement Manager, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, a Project Learning Tree training session introduced classroom-ready activities for students from kindergarten through high school, including environmental education and forestry career exploration. The event was also supported by the South Carolina Timber Producers Association and Palmetto AgriBusiness Council.
“It was a privilege to welcome educators to our mill and show them what forestry looks like up close,” said Jonathan. “Opportunities like this help us build stronger connections with the community — and give teachers tools and insights they can share with their students to spark interest in forestry careers.”
Whitehouse: Exploring Forestry in Florida
In Florida, our Whitehouse mill also welcomed more than 50 teachers as part of the state’s annual Florida Forestry Teachers’ Tour — a four-day program that introduces educators to the state’s forest sector with a focus on sustainability, resource efficiency and career opportunities.
“We were proud to host this year’s tour and help bring the forest sector to life for Florida educators,” said Rusty Steel, General Manager, Whitehouse. “It’s a chance to show how we turn forest resources into essential products — and to highlight the many paths students can take in forestry.”
As part of the experience, the West Fraser team led a guided tour of our operations and a presentation that connected classroom learning to real-world applications, highlighting the wide range of jobs available in forestry and forest products.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Whether we’re helping students discover their strengths or providing teachers with new tools for the classroom, these initiatives reinforce West Fraser’s commitment to showcasing the possibilities of forestry, promoting education and fostering local partnerships — and demonstrate how we’re helping shape the future of our industry.
