No. 1 Priority
Workforce
Development
Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho is committed to building a workforce for modern day logging and hauling operators throughout Idaho.
Workforce Development Goals
Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho is working to help educate, recruit and retain a viable workforce for Idaho’s forest products industry. We are fortunate to have Blake Manley, one of the leading advocates of workforce development in the forest products industry, helping us implement our plan of action which includes 10 workforce development goals for Idaho’s forest products industry. You can be a partner in this effort, too! Contribute to our Workforce Development Fund today.
1. Greater Awareness & Engagement in Idaho’s K-12 Education System
Elementary School: Classroom Education
• Collaborate with the Idaho Forest Products Commission (Project Learning Tree).
• Provide forest products industry information, videos, and other resources.
Middle School: Classroom Education & Forestry Tours
• Lead forestry tours for 6th- and 7th-grade students.
• Assist counselors with 8th-grade four-year plans.
• Share forest products industry career pathway information with middle and high school counselors.
High School: Classroom Education, Forestry Tours & Career Development
• Provide information, videos, and guest speakers to high school teachers.
• Offer guided instruction for apprenticeship programs.
• Supply counselors with details on scholarships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities in the forest products industry.
2. ANNUAL FOREST PRODUCTS REGIONAL INDUSTRY CAREER FAIRS
• Partner with logging and hauling contractors, lumber mills, equipment dealers, timberland owners and forestry experts.
• Fairs in planning for 2025 in St. Maries and Orofino (with invites to all surrounding schools). Will expand to additional locations in subsequent years.
3. Develop Forest Products Industry CTE Career Pathway
• Complete the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Pathway application by December 2024.
• Submit the application to the CTE Administration by December 2024.
• Obtain final approval in 2025.
• Provide industry support for training teachers.
4. Develop Forest Products Industry High School Curriculum
• Apply for and secure a wood innovations grant to develop the curriculum.
• Create a 6th-12th grade curriculum to serve as the foundation for the Career Pathway.
• Offer industry support to teach the curriculum.
5. Develop a Forest Products Industry Apprenticeship Program
• Provide hands-on training for students on logging machinery.
• Assist students with job placement.
• Collaborate with North Idaho College (NIC) and the University of Idaho (UI).
6. Develop Social Media Content to Promote the Forest Products Industry
• Create posts and messaging for Facebook and Instagram.
• Produce educational awareness videos for YouTube.
• Host podcasts in partnership with industry experts.
7. Promote and Coordinate Regional Forest Products Contests
• Organize regional contests like FFA CDE competitions, focused on forest products industry skills.
• Support interstate contests with surrounding states, such as the Oregon Logging Conference (2025) and other locations, to be announced (Intermountain Logging Conference in 2027?).
8. Develop a Plan to Promote Awareness of Industry Jobs & Careers
• Create an interactive map of contractors across Idaho.
• Promote career opportunities via social media platforms.
• Enhance connectivity among forest products industry partner websites.
9. Develop a Plan for Job Placement With Contractors
• Assist candidates in their job searches.
• Facilitate connections between contractors and job seekers.
10. Communicate Accomplishments & Success Stories
Share progress and success stories with:
• Forest products industry partners.
• Educational entities across the state.
• Leadership in the state of Idaho.