Why Forestry?

Are you interested in helping to protect the environment?

Would you like to contribute to healthy ecosystems?

Do you want our forests managed so they continue to be a sustainable resource?

As a Forestry Technician, you can make a difference!

Learn and be trained in our innovative 47-week experiential diploma program.  Algonquin College's Forestry Technician program offers you an opportunity to earn your diploma in less than one year and includes 2 weeks of professional certifications and 2 weeks of field placement.

Gain the skills you need to work in many facets of forestry. With 40 years' experience as a Forestry Technician school, our graduates are well-respected in the forestry sector and work all over Canada with companies, government, private industry, or as self-employed entrepreneurs.

One-third of our curriculum is delivered in the outdoors, including world-renowned Algonquin Park, making it the most field-oriented natural resources program in the province.

We are proud to provide our students with an extensive practical curriculum that prepares them for their new career in forestry.  See Full Program Details.

Find out more about a Forestry career:

Forestry Career Varieties

Benefits of Algonquin's Forestry Program

Pre-Forestry Technician Bursaries & Scholarships

Pre-Forestry Employment Opportunities

University Articulation Agreements

2010 Handbook for Applicants

A Variety of Forestry Careers:

Arborist, Bio-energy and Bio-fuel firms, Canoe Ranger, Compliance Inspector, Conservation Authorities, Conservation Officer, Consulting Companies, Ecosystem Assessor, Environmental Groups, Fisheries, Forest Fire Fighter, Forest Surveyor, GIS, Government Ministries, Harvesting Companies, Hydro, Lands and Water Officer, Nurseries, Parks and Recreation Departments, Federal and Provincial Parks, Researchers, Road and Trail Builders, Scaler, Stewardship Coordinator, Tree Marker, Tree Planter, Urban Forestry, Wildlife Management, Woodlot Manager.

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Benefits of Algonquin College's Forestry Technician Diploma Program

• tuition for three semesters instead of four

• room and board for one year instead of two
• admitted directly into your chosen program in the first semester
• need only one, not two, diplomas to gain worthwhile employment
• many opportunities to practice your technician skills in a variety of outdoor environments
• hands-on experience in preparation for a variety of professional certificates and licenses
• tours to a variety of parks, industry operations and mills
• small class size means a close working relationship with faculty
• close proximity to a variety of forest areas for field work experience

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Pre-Forestry Technician Bursaries & Scholarships 

High school students may apply for various bursaries and scholarships if they plan to attend a post-secondary program at college or university. The following three require students to submit an application form:

• The Algonquin Forestry Authority Bursary --  Background  --  Application

• The James S. Miller Memorial Scholarship -- Background  --  Application
• Johnson Inc. Scholarship -- Background and Application
  

You may also find some helpful information on this link to the Ontario School Counsellors'

Association list of Scholarships and Financial Assistance.

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Pre-Forestry Technician Employment Opportunities

The following links give details about some Ministry of Natural Resources Youth Employment Programs for youth between 15 and 24 years of age:

Ontario Ranger - 17 years old only

www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163379.html

Ontario Stewardship Ranger - 17 years old only

www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163380.html

MNR Summer Experience - Ages 15 to 24

www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163394.html

Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange - Ages 15 to 24

www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163398.html

Watch a video about the Ontario Ranger and Ontario Stewardship Ranger programs:

www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/264522.html

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Thinking of University?
Consider Taking Our One-Year Diploma Program First...

Articulation Agreements

UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK:  Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley and the University of New Brunswick have reached an agreement to allow graduates of Algonquin’s Forestry Technician program to receive advanced standing in UNB’s Bachelor of Science in Forestry program. Click here to read more.



LAKEHEAD UNVERSITY:  Our practical, hands-on, field-oriented diploma program will prepare you well before entering the halls of Lakehead University.  Graduates with a minimum B average are eligible for admission into the second year of the four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry, the second year of the three-year Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Forest Conservation), or the second year of the four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (Forest Conservation) degree programs.  A number of our graduates have taken this route and have earned both a diploma and a degree in four years or less.

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For further information, contact:

Forestry Technician Program Coordinator,

Frank Knaapen by email or by phone

at 613-735-4700, ext. 2741.