Free online course for forest products sector careers

The Business of Maine’s Forest Products Sector course, now in its third year, is back and is available statewide in a new on-demand, self-paced, online format. The 5-module course covers 18 lessons and is free for all Mainers. It is the first of its kind developed to promote workforce opportunities and innovation across Maine’s Forest Products Sector.

The course provides participants with an understanding of career and innovation opportunities across the industry, lessons with industry professionals, as well as the knowledge to begin their own career journeys. It is open to students, entrepreneurs, employers and anyone with an interest in starting and/or growing a career or business in Maine’s Forest Products Sector.

“It was very interesting to see how my land can be used for business,” Jason Palomo, a recent participant, said.

Each module introduces participants to subject matter experts in the sector, including employers from lumber mills and pulp and paper operations, foresters, wildlife biologists, scientists, professors, entrepreneurs, artisans and more. 

“This was a great introductory course that shows the many paths for timber harvesting and timber production,” a recent participant said.

The course was developed through a partnership between Sunrise County Economic Council, Forest Opportunity Roadmap, Washington County Community College, Rural Aspirations Project, Maine TREE Foundation and Maine Development Foundation. It is generously funded through a private trust grant and a Maine Department of Labor and State Workforce Development Board Industry Partnership grant.  

Micro-credentials through Washington County Community College are currently under development.  

To register, please visit https://www.formaine.org/courses/forest-products/.