Frequently Asked Questions

Learn the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions for the Forestry Technician Program.

How do I know if I am the right fit for this program?

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Thrive in an active, outdoor, hands-on learning environment.
  • Have an interest in protecting, sustaining and enhancing our natural environment and forest ecosystem.
  • Can work well independently or as a member of a team.
  • Have good communication skills.

Is there a place where I can learn more about preparing for this program and any specific equipment prior to the start of the program?

Yes. Please review the Applicant’s Handbook and Gear List webpage.

If I enroll in the Forestry Technician program, will I have to go to college during the summer months?

Yes. The program is equivalent to a two-year diploma program, but its curriculum has been compressed into a 45-week program. This means students begin their studies in September and complete the program in late August. This is advantageous for students who are eager to get into the workplace more quickly.

I will be funding my studies in part with OSAP. How does the payment schedule work with this compressed program format?

You will receive your OSAP funding in two installments:

  • 1st installment: When you begin your studies (e.g., September)
  • 2nd installment: During your second semester (e.g., January)

What you need to remember is that the Forestry Technician compressed program runs for three semesters, back-to-back-to-back. As part of your financial planning, it is important to consider setting aside some of your 1st and 2nd installment of OSAP funding to ensure that you have funds available to pay your third and final semester’s tuition payment. Alternatively, you can put down additional funds on your Algonquin College student account at the time that you receive each OSAP installment to ensure that your third-semester tuition is paid for as of January. Your OSAP funding calculation is based on the fact that you will be in school for 45-weeks which means that each of your OSAP installments should have a great amount of funding based on your study duration.

What documents do students need to submit to the College?

Prior to starting the program, all Forestry Technician students must submit the following item(s):

  • Assumption of Risk & Release Form
  • A current Standard First Aid and CPR certification is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first level.
  • An up-to-date tetanus booster is preferred prior to class. This immunization is available at no cost through the College health services.

Is there an opportunity to earn industry certifications in this program?

Yes. To enhance their employment prospects, students must obtain a minimum of nine industry/government recognized certificates or licences from a list which includes: SP100 Forest Fire Fighter, OMNR Tree Marking, OMNR Land Management, Professional Chainsaw Operation, Bear Awareness and Night Navigation.

Will I have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals?

Yes. Students benefit from a number of industry partnerships. The Forestry Technician college diploma program has developed many partners over the years. These partnerships provide opportunities to study wildlife, ecology, silviculture, dendrology, wilderness education, arboriculture, and forest sustainability. Students help maintain permanent sample plots, as well as design and build outdoor features.

Does this program have a placement opportunity?

Yes. A total of two weeks are spent on a voluntary placement in a resource-oriented organization chosen by the student, anywhere in the world. Should the opportunity arise, the student may choose instead to partake in an applied forestry research project supervised by the College and/or one of its partners. Students may register in the Provincial Log Scaling course in lieu of field placement. The cost of this course is in addition to the previously established program tuition.

Does the College assist students with finding a work placement?

Yes. The College does advocate with employers to provide placement experiences for students; however, students must make the effort to secure these placements. This means they must be active in searching for placement opportunities, approach employers, update their resume, and be prepared to be interviewed by employers. At the end of the day, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the placement opportunity.

I am not sure if I should explore university or college for this specialized education. What are my options?

Students contemplating taking Forestry at a university should seriously consider our program first, as we provide a one year, hands-on, practical, field-oriented program. Our articulation agreement or degree pathway with Lakehead University allows you to enter their Forestry or Forest Conservation program in the second year. We also have an articulation agreement with the University of New Brunswick in their Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management. As a result, it may take you less time to complete your degree or could result in a reduced course load. This means that you may enter the job market sooner and potentially save time and money.