Skills needs for mass timber production and adoption in British Columbia

Skills research Given the focus and attention by the BC government on mass helps understand changes in relative importance of occupations timber, as seen in their Mass Timber Action Plan, the Smart across the mass timber supply chain and the knowledge and Prosperity Institute (SPI) has explored the skills ecosystem abilities that are required by workers in these occupations. [...] Skills and labour requirements for producing and adopting mass Based on completed projects and manufacturing capacities, BC timber are based on the differences in technological require- is currently leading in both the production and adoption of mass ments between mass timber and readily available alternatives, timber in Canada.8 like steel and concrete. [...] 6 | PLACE Centre | Skills needs for mass timber production and adoption in British Columbia: Summary for policymakers • In the DACH region, most of the well-established mass What should be prioritized to improve timber manufacturers started as small family-run small the skills ecosystem for mass timber in and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as sawmills, and gradually diversified into a varie. [...] While transportation costs in the north of BC are some programs, micro-credentials, and diplomas available to of the highest in the province and the lack of sufficient interested learners and companies in the wood manufac- railway transit has reduced investment in locations like Fort turing and mass timber space, and in-person and virtual St. [...] 8 | PLACE Centre | Skills needs for mass timber production and adoption in British Columbia: Summary for policymakers Conclusion Of the issues relevant to the emerging mass timber industry in British Columbia, the lack of a robust skills ecosystem is a major For additional details and discussion on any of the ideas, concern.