Kenji Boyko builds early success in forestry sector
Kenji Boyko credits the hands-on learning experiences he gained in VIU’s Forest Resources Technology program with his career success today.
The program includes almost weekly lab sessions at the VIU Woodlot, a sustainably managed, 694-hectare forest. Kenji did silviculture surveys, practised forest road planning and design and toured facilities with heavy-duty logging equipment.
“All those things tie into the industry and seeing that in the program was really good preparation for what I was going to do,” he says.
Kenji is a fourth-generation forestry worker and is now a forest harvesting planner and a contractor in Port Alberni. He works with companies such as Western Forest Products and various clients, including First Nations up and down the mid-coast of BC. In his role, Kenji helps plan and develop cut blocks and access roads in the managed forest.
“Most of the time I am out in the field, so I’m kind of like the boots on the ground, out in the bush. Sometimes I am in the office doing GIS mapping,” says Kenji.
Kenji is proud of his progress since graduating from VIU. He started his position in October 2025 and has already worked his way up to a senior planning position.
“It’s quite a big accomplishment for only starting in October. My program really helped me with the progress in the field here at my job,” he says.
Kenji says his professors’ industry experience, ability to explain concepts clearly and the relationships he developed with his classmates helped him succeed in the program. Because Forest Resources Technology is a cohort program, Kenji took all his classes with the same group of students. He says studying and working alongside everyone gave him an extra boost throughout the program.
“I was new to university and didn’t know a lot of people. I didn’t know anyone in my program, but by the third month I started making a lot of friends,” explains Kenji. “It’s great working on different things with the same people.”
Kenji encourages current and future students to seek support when they need it. He accessed counselling services while adjusting to university life and managing a heavy course load.
“It helped me continue into second year and finish the year off. I thought they were super supportive,” says Kenji. “If you’re struggling, just communicate and if you need help, there are a lot of services at VIU. Take advantage of that.”
During his final semester, Kenji received the Ray Robazza Memorial Forestry Award, offered annually by Western Forest Products.
“I was very honoured to receive the award. The funds helped me directly with tuition and the cost of living because I’m not from Nanaimo,” says Kenji.
Now working in the industry, Kenji appreciates the connection to the company that supported him through the award. During his time at VIU, Kenji also received the Truck Loggers Association Award and the Mosaic Forest Management Forestry Scholarship.
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