September 7, 2005 - 5:00pm
When half of a graduating class is interviewed and hired before graduation, you can be sure that the knowledge and skills of those students are highly valued by industry.
That’s exactly what happened to the first graduating class of Malaspina University-College’s nine-month Pulp and Paper Operations Certificate Program.
"We have 16 students graduating on September 30, and seven have already landed full-time jobs," said program coordinator John Marshall. "When the starting wage is $23 per hour, you can be sure that these jobs are highly valued by students."
Graduating student Tony Burton, who has accepted a position with Norske Canada, Powell River Division, said, "This program has been really great. I’m graduating and I already have a job lined up. It’s like I invested $5,000 in tuition to get a $50,000 a year job. That’s what I call a good investment!"
Malaspina’s program, which prepares students for work in the pulp and paper industry, has been specifically designed, in partnership with Norske Canada and Pope & Talbot, to address industry needs. Marshall said there has been very little hiring in the industry for at least a decade, but that’s changing due to upcoming retirements. "Norske Canada expects to lose approximately one third of its workforce in 10 years," he said.
According to Marshall, the industry workforce is aging rapidly, and new personnel are required at a faster rate than in the past. Marshall added that work at all levels in the pulp and paper industry has become increasingly complex and technical, and demands a comprehensive understanding of plant operations and processes.
"It’s very important for the pulp and paper mills to have a pool of potential employees who understand the industry and the issues and challenges it currently faces," he said.
The industry plans to meet these challenges by working with Malaspina University-College on an ongoing basis to ensure that new employees are prepared for entry-level positions. Fred MacDonald, Malaspina’s Dean of Trades & Applied Technology, said Malaspina is committed to working closely with industry to design and deliver programs that are relevant and timely.
"Our new pulp and paper operations program is an innovative example of how Malaspina can help industry meet its staffing needs now and in the future," said MacDonald.
The next session for the nine-month Pulp and Paper Operations Certificate Program starts on October 11, and a few seats are still available. For information, contact John Marshall at marshallj@viu.ca or call 740-6132.
Tags: In the Community
