Since its launch in 2018, the Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing (IWP) has grown into a leading workforce development program in the forestry sector. Developed by the School of Construction and the Environment (SoCE) at BCIT in partnership with four leading North American lumber companies, the program was designed to meet a clear industry need: practical, flexible technical training that fits the realities of mill operations.
Designed for employees working directly in wood products manufacturing, IWP focuses on the fundamentals that matter on the mill floor: helping new hires, experienced operators, and emerging supervisors build a strong understanding of how sawmills operate and how production decisions impact quality, efficiency, and safety.
Designed by Industry, for Industry
From the beginning, the IWP Program has been shaped by industry input. The program development was led by Canfor, Tolko, West Fraser and Interfor, and has since grown to have over 34 companies sponsor employees to participate in the program, using it as part of onboarding, upskilling, and succession planning.
“The IWP program is top-notch,” says Ethan Griffin, Mill Manager at Interfor and a program graduate. “It’s challenging and there’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The fact that industry leaders and even competitors came together to build this program shows how committed we are as an industry to developing technical skills and supporting the next generation.”
The program’s unique structure – five online courses completed over one year – makes it accessible for full-time employees while maintaining strong learning outcomes through expert-led virtual sessions and a dedicated support model.
Program Milestones
Since 2018, the program has made a substantial impact across the industry:
- 695+ students enrolled
- 34+ sponsoring companies
- Participants from Canada, US, and international markets
- Consistent year-round demand, with 2 intakes per year
Two Complementary Pathways
The success of IWP led to the launch of a second credential in 2021: the Associate Certificate in Business of Sawmilling (BOS). Together, the two programs support both technical and leadership development within the sector.
- Industrial Wood Processing (IWP) builds a strong foundation in day‑to‑day industrial wood processing operations, equipping new and emerging supervisors with practical knowledge of production processes, quality control, and core sawmill technologies.
- Business of Sawmilling (BOS) develops the business and leadership capabilities of mill managers and emerging leaders, with a focus on financial management, strategic planning, and operational decision‑making to improve efficiency and profitability.
Together, the programs provide a dual pathway to career growth in one of BC’s most vital industries.
What Sets the Programs Apart
- Industry‑curated curriculum, shaped by real‑world mill operations and current market conditions
- Fully online delivery, making training accessible to employees regardless of location
- Strong completion and satisfaction rates, with employers repeatedly reinvesting in the programs for their workforce
Looking Ahead
BCIT continues to refine and expand its offerings in support of a rapidly evolving forest sector. With the increasing importance of digital transformation, sustainability, and workforce succession planning, programs like Industrial Wood Processing and Business of Sawmilling are well-positioned to remain at the forefront of industry training.
Interested in Joining?
Whether you’re a company looking to sponsor employees or a professional seeking to grow your career in wood products manufacturing, BCIT’s associate certificate programs offer a proven, practical pathway forward.
Learn more at Industrial Wood Processing