From classrooms to the forest: California’s Shasta College trains next-gen loggers, filling 6,000 vacancies annually – The Times of India

Shasta College in Northern California is playing a pivotal role in addressing the growing labor shortage in the logging industry. With the number of available logging jobs in the US steadily declining, the college’s unique logging apprenticeship program is helping to bridge the gap by training students to take on jobs in a crucial, but aging, industry. The program not only provides students with a pathway to long-term careers but also fills around 6,000 vacant logging positions each year across the country, as reported by The Hechinger Report.
For decades, logging was primarily a seasonal trade learned through hands-on experience. But with the changing demands of the industry and increasing climate challenges, logging has become a year-round profession requiring modern machinery and skilled operators. As industry veterans retire, businesses have struggled to find new talent, prompting a shift towards structured training programs like the one at Shasta College.
Training the next generation of loggers
Shasta College’s logging apprenticeship program has become a vital lifeline for the industry. In 2023, there were only around 50,000 logging jobs in the US, with many companies facing difficulties finding qualified workers. According to The Hechinger Report, “Most loggers are over 50, and the industry is losing more workers than it can replace.” In response, Shasta College partnered with local timber companies to create a pre-apprenticeship course in Heavy Equipment Logging Operations. The program offers students the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art logging machinery and gain practical experience in forestry, all while earning a certificate or degree in the field.
The program has proven successful, with nearly all students securing jobs upon completion. “You get folks that are going to show up every day,” said Delbert Gannon, owner of Creekside Logging. As quoted by The Hechinger Report, Gannon believes the program helps new employees understand what the work entails, ensuring they’re committed to the career path long-term.
A solution to rural labor shortages
The importance of such apprenticeship programs is magnified in rural areas, where industries like logging play a critical role in the local economy. As The Hechinger Report highlighted, labor shortages in rural sectors are particularly pronounced, with many businesses unable to find workers to fill essential roles. State and federal funding has played a key role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities. In 2023, the federal budget for apprenticeship programs increased from $145 million in 2018 to over $244 million, supporting sectors like logging and aquaculture, which are critical to rural communities.
Shasta College’s program not only supports local industries but also helps students, like 24-year-old Dylan Knight, gain hands-on experience that leads to secure employment. Knight, who plans to return to his hometown of Oroville, California, after completing the program, says, “It’s really hands-on. You learn as you go and it helps to have a great instructor.” This model has resulted in a steady stream of trained workers prepared to meet the challenges of modern logging operations, as reported by The Hechinger Report.