Communication Services

CNC and Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership (CPLP) signed a strategic partnership agreement Monday, which will lead to future careers for students and training opportunities for CPLP employees.

The agreement means CNC will build on its existing strong training partnership to become “the College of Choice” for trades and technology training for CPLP employees. “This agreement will create new programs for future students, and help us fill even more of our existing classrooms,” said CNC President John Bowman. “It will also give our students the specific training that one of the region’s largest, well-paying employers wants. While we can’t guarantee our students will get jobs with CPLP, the opportunities will definitely be there like never before.”

CPLP President and CEO, Joe Nemeth, pointed out the agreement will not only benefit CNC students looking for careers, but CPLP’s 1,150 employees who want to expand and improve their skills, training and career opportunities within the organization.
“This agreement shows we believe in the future of our employees and want to provide them with opportunities for life-long learning and growth,” Nemeth said.  “Education is the greatest investment we can make in our people and in the future of northern B.C.”

CNC and CPLP have already begun investigating new courses and programs that will fit labour market needs, such as a second class power engineering certificate at CNC.

“Our third and fourth class power engineering students are already in high demand, but there is an even greater need for second class power engineers at companies like CPLP,” Bowman said. “By working with CPLP we can fulfill their needs as well as other companies’ needs for power engineers, while providing our students with training and opportunities for fantastic careers.”

Both partners are investigating market needs in: mechanical and process technologies; process operations; and industrial trades including millwrights, pipefitters, industrial electricians and instrument technicians.

“We would also like to investigate the design and delivery of mentoring programs for youth in the area, linked to employment outcomes (short and long term) with CPLP,” Nemeth said. “We will investigate opportunities to provide financial support to students in selected programs; as well as define opportunities for equipment donations to the College to meet program needs.”  CPLP has been a strong supporter of CNC’s Career Technical Centre program for high school youth taking first year trades training.  CPLP has provided students with work experience opportunities, training certificates and financial awards.

Nemeth added CPLP supports the inclusion of under-represented groups in education and the workplace, primarily Aboriginal people and women.

“The range of programs and classes are really limitless and this agreement provides the foundation of what we hope will be many beneficial opportunities for both organizations for many years to come,” Bowman said. “We are very pleased that we continue to build on our longstanding, positive relationship with CPLP.”

For more information:
Randall Heidt
CNC Director of Communications
250-561-5869
Cell 250-640-6161