Idaho Group Helps Workers

Officials with Associated Logging Contractors-Idaho are moving ahead with a program to establish a worker development and recruitment program and working with related forest businesses and groups to build interest among youngsters to choose a career in Idaho’s forest products industry.

According to ALC-Idaho Executive Director Clete Edmundson, “Now, more than ever, we all need to work together to educate, recruit, develop and retain workers for our industry. For the 520 logging and trucking companies that are members of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho, along with the 87 associate member business who support the ALC-ID, this is a critical issue.”

Noting the organization is seeking to be proactive on the issue, the ALC-Idaho is working to create a Workforce Development Fund to help with new worker recruitment. “To compete in an increasingly mechanized industry, most of our members have invested millions of dollars in these machines and/or trucks and need operators to run them. If we can’t develop a workforce for these companies, things will go south in a hurry,” Edmundson says.

He adds that the logger group is also working with other forest stakeholder organizations in the state. The Idaho Forest Products Commission (IFPC) has expressed support of the workforce development concept and ALC-ID efforts, creating a line item within the IFPC budget that could become the foundation of a Workforce Development and Outreach Coordinator Position.

“This show of industry support strengthens our mission and provides the solidarity needed to begin our fundraising efforts, ensuring we meet our collective goals,” Edmundson adds.

Some of the workforce development goals include:
• Greater middle school and high school student engagement to promote awareness of the industry and the great jobs/careers available.

• Working with school districts to host more “logger days” events at schools, coordinating efforts with logging and trucking contractors, equipment manufacturers and experts in forestry.

• Developing more scholarship opportunities for students who have a strong desire to further their education through forestry programs.

• Developing a Careers Technical Education (CTE) career pathway in the forest products industry.

• Developing curriculum that will be used in the career pathway in middle/high schools that lead to apprenticeship programs and/or higher education degrees.