Fleming College

Peterborough ON – (February 28, 2022) – Fleming College will offer three new intakes of its SkillsAdvance Ontario – Forestry program, a free training program for job seekers.

The four-week program is designed to build skills progressively for entry-level jobs in the forestry industry, which requires qualified workers in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Peterborough and Northumberland. It focuses on both soft and hard skills that are required on the job, such as forest measurement, navigation and inventory, health and safety, lumber grading, log scaling and equipment operation. The program also provides support from employment consultants and job search assistance.

For employers looking to increase the skill level and qualifications of their workforce, the SAO Forestry initiative provides an opportunity to access training for its existing employees. Fleming continues to work with employers to identify skills gaps so to collectively build a stronger forestry workforce for the future.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development announced a $5-million investment in the program in 2021 to address labour shortages in the forestry industry – one of the province’s largest industrial sectors and a major economic driver. Working in partnership with Algonquin College, Fleming aims to train a total of 53 job seekers interested in entering the forestry and wood product manufacturing fields. The two institutions will also provide training to 300 workers already employed in forestry operations.

The upcoming sessions for SAO Forestry will start March 28, April 25, and May 24. Participants must be 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizen or permanent resident, resident of Eastern Ontario, currently unemployed or under-employed, and not enrolled in any other education or training. Applications are also encouraged from high school graduates, early school leavers, employment insurance (EI) eligible and non-EI eligible, as well as women, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada.

For more information about the program and to join an information session, please visit the website.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.

For more information, please contact:
Sara O’Halloran
Media Relations Specialist
sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1366