Selkirk College’s Forest Technology program provides an ideal starting point for learners excited by the combined career challenges of working in B.C.’s rugged outdoors and finding modern solutions to current forest management issues. Our primary goal is to provide job-ready graduates to potential employers in both private industry and government.
Our program focuses on the following principles in order to optimize our students’ learning experience:
- Instruction by practicing resource professionals;
- Maximization of outdoor learning opportunities in real forest environments;
- Collaboration with industry professionals to provide exposure to current practices in all aspects of forest management;
- Familiarization with current forest technology used by industry employers; and
- Commitment to student success in a fun and close-knit learning environment.
Graduates will gain proficiency in all of the following in the specific context of British Columbia forestry:
- Forest ecology
- Forest road location
- Harvesting techniques
- Wildlife habitat identification
- Silviculture systems
- Surveying
- Timber cruising
- Hydrology
- Forest health
- Wildfire management
- Digital mapping
- Data management
- Forest policy
- Relationship-building with First Nations communities
Continuing Education:
Selkirk College’s Forest Technology program also provides excellent credit transfer opportunities for students interested in continuing their studies in Selkirk’s degree or advanced diploma in Geographic Information Systems, or in pursuit of a related degree at various other institutions. Students who continue their academic studies after graduation from our program consistently discover that the solid technical and academic foundation obtained during their Selkirk studies provides them with a distinct competitive advantage.
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Program At-A-Glance
In the News
Is it possible to balance the principles of climate change action with responsible resource extraction in our province's forests? That question was posed to second-year Forest Technology Program students in the form of a challenge from instructor Jesper Nielsen and inspired creative answers filled with hope for the future of the industry.
Students in the School of Environment & Geomatics wrapped up their first year of study at Selkirk College taking part in a rewarding field school along the banks of the Columbia River just north of Trail.
As communities across British Columbia heighten efforts to protect from wildfire, students in the Selkirk College Forest Technology Program are continuing their partnership with the City of Castlegar to help with fuel mitigation efforts in the most vulnerable areas.
Selkirk College is set to celebrate Grad 2018 at the Castlegar Campus on April 27 with students, families and friends. As we prepare for the big day, meet Integrated Environmental Planning Program student Chris Black who has been chosen as the Class of 2018's valedictorian.
Discovering a new ecosystem and exploring the importance of Indigenous culture within the resource industry was the focus of a recent journey west to Merritt for students in the Selkirk College Forest Technology Program.