Forest Products Utilization and Marketing

Careers and Training

Skilled employees in the forest product industry are in demand. According to WoodLINKS USA [exit DNR] , "Industry Canada says there is an immediate need for 2,000 wood processing specialists in Canada, and a long-term need for 3,500. They also estimate the need is eight times that in the US." There is a shortage of skilled workers in many wood product sectors, including the logging industry.

The range of career choices is as large as the need for workers. From logging to making guitars, the wood products industry offers a diversity of options. Technology is the tool of choice and workers are needed to program, operate, and design high-tech machines that are used for things like cutting logs, precision cutting and gluing boards. The average forest industry job has an annual wage of $48,000 while the state average for all Wisconsin workers is $34,400. If you're interested in a career in forestry, the WDNR Division of Forestry offers online information about jobs and careers.

The WoodLINKS Program

Practicing responsible conservation and sustainable management of our forests not only provides wildlife habitat and water quality protection, but it can also supply raw materials for a wide variety of products, which range from paper to wood energy fuels. An essential link in this process is having both a public that understands these needs as well as a workforce to conduct all aspects of this diverse industry, from managing the trees to putting the finishing touches on cabinets, end tables, etc.

The WoodLINKS program can provide part of the answer. It's based on unique industry-education partnerships that assist schools in providing relevant, industry-supported, broad-based career education to secondary and post-secondary students. Students who successfully complete the program receive international, industry-recognized, certification.

Operational since 1997, the WoodLINKS Wisconsin, Inc. program currently has 35 member schools, making it the most successful WoodLINKS program in the country. This project will allow Wisconsin to take the next step by expanding its existing program content to include both traditional primary forest industry and wood energy industry sectors. For more information about this program, see the WoodLINKS website [exit DNR] or download a flyer about WoodLINKS Wisconsin [PDF 218K].

The following high schools and technical schools participate in the WoodLINKS program:

Skilled Training

The following technical colleges offer skilled training.