News Forestry Workforce
FPAC supports Outland Youth Employment Program with $10,000 donation

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) donated $10,000 to support the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) and its education and training program for Indigenous youth.

OYEP’s new wrap-around program is available across Canada to OYEP participants and graduates year-round. It provides holistic and practical approaches to education, training and work opportunities that support and inspire youth to drive their personal and professional health and well-being.

The program builds on OYEP’s current national network of land-based education, which provides work opportunities for high school aged Indigenous youth. The summer camps offer summertime work experience. The youth receive training and education in a supportive space that replicates various work environments.

“As Canada’s forest sector builds its talent pipeline of the future and its leaders of tomorrow, we see incredible potential in young people from Indigenous communities,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC’s president and CEO. “We’ve been huge fans of OYEP for some time and the program’s track record speaks for itself. A 2019 study conducted by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) showed that 92 percent of OYEP participants went on to complete high school (or equivalency) and 77 percent of participants are employed. We’re excited about how this program can further move the dial to create new growth, leadership, and job opportunities.”

“Our new program strives to foster personal resilience and socio-economic health through problem solving, personal accountability, confronting challenges with innovative thinking, strategic planning, and community-based solutions,” said OYEP’s national manager, Mark Kmill. “Using a variety of real-world challenges, youth can practice and strengthen their resiliency muscles with the support and guidance of a national network of trusted and reliable staff, mentors, employers, educators, cultural leaders, and trainers all across Canada.  We are honoured to play a role in helping to break down the many barriers preventing Indigenous youth from fully participating in their personal socio-economic health.”