LP Building Solutions Expands Investment in Forestry Education

LP Building Solutions, a prominent building products company, has announced its commitment to enhance educational opportunities for future forestry professionals. This decision, revealed during National Forest Products Week in Nashville, Tennessee, marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing investment in the Peace region, where it operates mills in both Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

On October 22, 2023, LP Building Solutions confirmed its plans to deepen partnerships with organizations such as ForestryWorks and the First Nations Forestry Council. Founded in the 1970s, LP Building Solutions has maintained a strong presence in Dawson Creek since 1987 through an oriented strand board (OSB) wood plant, which transitioned into a siding plant in 2019. The company also operates an OSB mill in Fort St. John, established in 2005.

ForestryWorks is part of the Forestry Workforce Training Institute, which was established in 2018 and is headquartered in Alabama, USA. Its mission is to provide education, career awareness, and hands-on training to cultivate a skilled workforce in the forestry sector.

The First Nations Forestry Council is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students through its Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program. According to Lennard Joe, the council’s chief executive officer, LP Building Solutions’ investment demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing workplace diversity.

“We’re pleased to welcome LP Building Solutions as a program partner in advancing Indigenous participation in forestry through the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program,” Joe stated. He emphasized that expanding the scholarship program to include both academic and trades streams is crucial for creating sustainable employment opportunities for First Nations communities across British Columbia.

The initiative is expected to have a profound impact on Indigenous students aspiring to pursue careers in forestry. As the demand for skilled workers in this sector continues to grow, programs like these can significantly bridge the gap between education and employment.

LP Building Solutions has been contacted for further comments regarding how this initiative will specifically affect potential Indigenous students in the region. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Through these efforts, LP Building Solutions not only aims to secure a future workforce but also to foster an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. As the company moves forward, its focus on education and collaboration with Indigenous organizations will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of forestry professionals.