November 12, 2010
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Northwest Community College connects with next generation of students
SMITHERS – Every fall, the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Forest Education Program, in partnership with local forest companies, hosts natural resource management career awareness camps to encourage local students in Grades 10-12 to consider forestry related careers. The camp took place Oct. 14-15 near Houston and Smithers.
As it has for a number of years, Northwest Community College (NWCC) had a presence at the camps, with University Credit instructor Rick Budhwa and Regina Saimoto, Campus Principal for NWCC Smithers and Houston campuses, staging workshops related to fisheries and archaeology to 40 high school students from Houston, Smithers and Hazelton. Rob Maurer of NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) also helped out by providing information about SEM to the high school participants.
“This camp is an excellent opportunity for high school students to learn about a number of careers related to forestry and natural resource management by participating in hands-on workshops delivered by local experts,” said Saimoto. “Students get to try out equipment, collect data, identify fish, and talk to professionals in the industry to see what it takes to work in forestry. It also provides an excellent opportunity for post-secondary institutions to talk about the value of post-secondary education.”
The camp brings students from various schools together, and broadens their understanding of the forest and natural resource industries as a whole. It makes students more aware of the balancing act that occurs between development and the protection of natural and cultural resources. By involving community experts, post-secondary institutions and schools, the camp helps build community and relationships. In addition, the camp introduces students to instructors and staff at the local colleges, and builds stronger connections that help welcome students to the College and eases their transition to post-secondary studies. It also gives students the opportunity see the connection between what they are taking in high school and how it is relevant to careers in natural resource management.
“COFI and our industry partners are always excited to host one of our natural resource management camps in the Bulkley Valley and to team up with NWCC in delivering hands-on workshops to the students,” said Chris Lear, manager of forest education with COFI. “While schools can provide the theory, we are able to provide the experiences that may shape the students’ career choices. And what better way to get a feel for NWCC than for students to work, laugh and learn with instructors?”
Lear sets up the camp and Houston-based Canadian Forest Products arranges for field sites, permits, and experts to lead the workshops.
NWCC provides information on its post-secondary programs and assists with workshops. The Ministry of Environment and the Smithers Exploration Group provide field gear to augment the fisheries workshop, while the Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands branch also provides workshops.
The Resources North Association and COFI fund the yearly initiative.
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Photo cutline: Houston Secondary School students Cassie Ofner and Taylor McEwen identify fish during the recent Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Forest Education Program. Teacher Chris DeYoung is in the background.
For more information contact:
Kristine Kofoed
Director of Communications and College Advancement Northwest Community College
Phone: 250.638.5470
Toll-Free: 1.877.277.2288
Email: kkofoed@nwcc.bc.ca
To learn more about the exciting events and programs happening at NWCC visit us at nwcc.bc.ca
Northwest Community College is an accredited post-secondary education institution that offers a range of comprehensive courses and programs to the northwest region of British Columbia. It serve s this area through campuses in Haida Gwaii (Kaay Llnagaay, Masset, Village of Queen Charlotte), Hazelton, Houston, Kitimat, Nass Valley, Prince Rupert, Smithers and Terrace. NWCC celebrates the diversity of its northern and First Nations populations and reflects this diversity in its programs, services and workforce.
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