Alabama is home to one of the most productive and economically significant forestry sectors in the country. With over 23 million acres of forestland and a $36+ billion forest products industry, the need for a strong, skilled workforce has never been greater. That’s where ForestryWorks® comes in—a growing workforce development initiative that’s making a big difference in our state’s forestry future.
ForestryWorks® is a workforce development program created by the Forest Workforce Training Institute. Its mission is simple but powerful: to educate, train, and connect individuals with meaningful careers in the forestry and forest products industry. The program focuses on bridging the gap between job seekers and employers in logging, timber operations, trucking, manufacturing, and related fields.
Through career awareness, hands-on training programs, and job placement resources, ForestryWorks® is building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers—starting with Alabama’s youth and extending to veterans, career changers, and tradespeople.
Making an Impact in Alabama
ForestryWorks® is quickly becoming a cornerstone in Alabama’s workforce development, especially in rural communities where forestry plays a vital economic role. Here’s how they’re creating long-term value:
1. Reaching Students Early
ForestryWorks® has introduced its career readiness curriculum in over 200 public schools across Alabama. Through classroom programs, career fairs, and forestry simulators, students learn about real-world opportunities in logging, equipment operation, forestry technology, and mill work—often for the first time.
2. Training the Next Generation
Their Logging Equipment Operator School offers hands-on, in-the-field training for those wanting to enter the industry. Participants earn industry-recognized safety certifications and gain practical experience with heavy machinery. In just four weeks, students can go from novice to job-ready.
3. Job Placement and Support
ForestryWorks® doesn’t just train workers—they help them find jobs. With a growing network of employers across Alabama, the organization helps connect graduates to roles in logging crews, sawmills, trucking companies, and forest management services.
Safe, Sustainable, and Strong
Alabama’s forestry industry is one of the most sustainable in the U.S., growing significantly more timber each year than it harvests. ForestryWorks® plays a vital role in ensuring this growth continues safely and responsibly. By recruiting and training workers to follow best practices in safety, conservation, and technology, the organization helps maintain Alabama’s reputation for high-quality, sustainable forestry.
Why It Matters
A strong forestry workforce means:
- Thriving rural economies
- Increased local job opportunities
- Sustainable forest management
- Safer, more efficient operations
And with demand for skilled workers only increasing, ForestryWorks® is helping Alabama stay ahead of the curve.
ForestryWorks® recently expanded their footprint with the purchase of a 600-acre working farm located just outside of Auburn, in Notasulga, Alabama. Known as Auburn Oaks, the property will soon feature a guest lodge and a state-of-the-art teaching facility as part of their long-term vision.
ForestryWorks® is more than a training program—it’s an investment in Alabama’s future. By preparing the next generation of forestry professionals, they’re helping to secure the long-term strength of one of our state’s most important industries.
If you’re interested in a career in forestry or want to learn more about workforce development in Alabama, ForestryWorks® is the place to start.
