A Day in the Trades: Students Discover Careers in Forestry
It’s not every day that high school students find themselves standing beside the machinery of a modern lumber mill. But for a group of Correlieu Secondary School students from Quesnel, B.C., class was in session on the mill floor.
Recently, sixteen students from the school’s work experience and dual credit trades exploration programs stepped into the world of skilled trades during a Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Trades &Technology Event hosted at West Fraser’s Quesnel Lumber. Designed to bridge classroom learning with real world experience, the day provided the students with an inside look at the people, technology and teamwork that keep B.C.’s forest sector moving.
“Our team developed and led the students through a series of hands-on workshops,” said Dave Sumption, General Manager Quesnel Lumber. “They explored the essential roles that keep a mill running safely and efficiently, including millwrighting, electrical work, saw filing, preventive maintenance, quality control and overall mill operations.”
At each station, students examined specialized tools, watched demonstrations, and asked questions about the skills and training needed to succeed in these careers. “
As an integral part of the community, West Fraser has always gone above and beyond to support students in researching career paths.
If one were to ask many of the previous students in Quesnel who are now taking trades, with the BC Fire Crew, or in many of the forestry positions in the area, many would tell you their first contact came through a career experience opportunity supported by West Fraser.
Martin R., Correlieu’s work experience coordinator
For many, the experience made classroom concepts feel relevant. As Martin explained, seeing the precision and problem-solving required in real time helped students better understand how math, science, and technical learning translate into meaningful, well-paid careers.
The event also highlighted the innovation shaping today’s forest industry. Students saw firsthand how advanced technology, safety systems, and coordinated teamwork come together to produce high quality wood products while supporting sustainable forestry practices.
COFI expressed deep appreciation to the West Fraser team for their generosity and enthusiasm. Special thanks were extended to Troy H., Sawmill Maintenance Superintendent, and Keana L., Silviculture Coordinator, for helping coordinate the event, as well as to COFI organizer Jim C. Their commitment to mentoring young people played a key role in making the day both memorable and impactful.
“Through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals, students gain valuable insight into the many rewarding careers available in advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades,”said Jim, COFI’s manager, Forest Education. “Events like the Trades and Technology Event help bring classroom learning to life, connecting students with the people, technology, and innovation that drive British Columbia's forest industry, and inspiring the next generation to consider a future in the forest industry.”
For the Correlieu students, the visit was more than just a tour. It showed them how school learning connects to real work and helped them see the trades as a rewarding career path in companies like West Fraser.
