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PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – , , and have launched the second cohort of the training program after seeing success the first time around.

The fully funded program equips local workers with practical skills and safety certifications for careers in green construction and manufacturing, a release explains.

The second cohort began on May 19 following a successful first round where 15 trainees completed the program and 12 were hired by IGV Housing as full-time production operators, while three others were hired by other organizations.

Since August 2025, IGV Housing has grown its headcount from 12 to 45 full time employees. The second cohort will add another 15 employees to its workforce.

Delivered by North Island College in partnership with Synergy Foundation, the program was developed to help workers transition into emerging opportunities in green building, construction and manufacturing, which is especially needed in Port Alberni.

“The community has seen significant disruption across the forestry sector in recent years, including the indefinite curtailment of Western Forest Products’ Alberni Pacific Division and layoffs connected to San Group’s Port Alberni operations,” the release notes.

“Against that backdrop, the program is helping workers, including people impacted directly or indirectly by mill closures, build skills for full-time employment in a growing industry close to home.”  

Many participants in the first cohort were displaced sawmill workers, mature-aged workers, or people who had previously been required to work away from Port Alberni and their families.

For Tina, 55, a member of the Tseshaht First Nation [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and one of two women in the first cohort, who went on to work at IGV, the program offered more than technical training, the release describes. She noted in feedback that she described gaining new certifications, hands-on experience and support from the team, while also taking an important step for herself.

Participants hired by IGV Housing as production operators support the manufacture of pre-engineered building components, including SmartCore units, volumetric wall panel systems and co-ordinated building packages, in a controlled production environment.

The second cohort runs until June 19. For more information contact .��