West Fraser Mills Ltd. signs partnership with CNC Quesnel
West Fraser Mills Ltd. signed an education partnership agreement with the College of New Caledonia Tuesday, which will lead to local training opportunities for West Fraser employees as well as increased access to programs for students in north-central B.C.
The agreement means CNC’s Quesnel campus will become the “College of Choice” for West Fraser Mills employees. “We will collaborate with West Fraser Mills on designing and delivering programs to meet industry-related needs such as millwrights,” said Doug Larsen, CNC Quesnel Regional Director.
“We will also provide continuing education courses and credentials designed to accommodate industry needs and employee growth.” Ray Ferris, vice-president of wood products for West Fraser Mills Ltd., said the company is delighted to be working with CNC, which has consistently provided a high level of service with respect to industry needs.
“By working together with CNC in Quesnel we can create a more effective delivery program and ultimately develop more skilled trades people to support West Fraser and the industry,” Ferris said. “West Fraser has a long and successful history of promoting and developing its employees. Trades apprenticeships within our operations is seen as a key employee development opportunity and retention strategy.”
West Fraser Mills will also “define opportunities for equipment/parts donations to the college to meet program needs and investigate opportunities to provide financial support to students in selected programs.” CNC president John Bowman credited Mary Glassford, former Cariboo Regional District director in the Quesnel region, for bringing both CNC Quesnel and West Fraser Mills Ltd. together in the first place.
“Certainly a partnership of this magnitude couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of Mary Glassford, whose diligent work and tireless contribution to the City of Quesnel and the surrounding region is second to none,” said Bowman. “I thank her for her dedication in championing this cause.”