NEW BERN, N.C. – The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) has partnered with Craven Community College (Craven CC) to offer a Forest Worker training program beginning January 12, 2026. The program is credentialed through ForestryWorks® and prepares students with the essential skills needed to enter the forestry industry.
“Our goal is to expose young people to the many career options available in the forestry and forest products industry,” said Jessica Ireland, Director of Education Programs, NCFA. “North Carolina has a steady need for skilled forestry professionals due to ongoing forest management needs, forest products manufacturing, and conservation efforts. Partnering with Craven Community College to bring this course to adult learners is a natural fit as we continue to educate the public about the importance of our industry to North Carolina’s communities.”
The NCFA, in partnership with the North Carolina Future Farmers of America Association and ForestryWorks®, created North Carolina’s first-ever high school forestry course with an industry-aligned credential: AN53 Natural Resources II: Forestry. In its pilot year, nine high schools offered the course and 67 students received the credential.
Upon its second year, the course gained traction, earning endorsement as a course the State Board of Community Colleges approved for the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement. Through various conversations with Career & Technical Education directors across the state, an opportunity to expand this course to college students presented itself in Craven County.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), 59% of the forestry and logging labor force is between ages 35-64, while only 12% are between 16-24. These figures highlight the need to build a new generation of skilled forestry professionals. Fortunately, demand for these workers spans forest industry operations, government agencies, municipalities, consulting firms, universities, and more.
The new program will be offered at Craven CC's Volt Center campus, located at 205 First St., New Bern.
“We are thrilled to partner with the NCFA to offer this training program to our students,” said Meghan Margarum, Workforce Development Coordinator at the Volt Center. “Forestry is a thriving industry in North Carolina, offering diverse and rewarding careers. Graduates of this program will earn an industry-recognized credential, demonstrating readiness for entry-level employment with forestry contractors, timber companies, and related partners.”
Who is the Forest Worker training program for?
This program is designed for adult learners aged 18-24 residing in Craven County and surrounding areas.
What does the Forest Worker training program include?
This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the forestry industry. Topics include tree identification, properties of wood, forest management and harvesting practices, workplace safety and career pathways in forestry. Instruction combines classroom learning with applied training to prepare students for the Forest Worker certification credentialed by ForestryWorks®.
When does the program begin?
The Forest Worker training program runs Jan. 12 – March 4, 2026, and will be held four days per week (Monday-Thursday) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How can students apply?
Students can visit cravencc.edu/Forestry to learn more and register for this class prior to Jan. 12.
About the North Carolina Forestry Association
The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is a private, non-profit partnership of approximately 4,000 forest managers, landowners, forest products manufacturers, loggers, educators, students and others concerned about the long-term health and productivity of the state’s forest resources and the industries they support. Established in 1911, the NCFA is the state’s oldest forest conservation organization, with a mission to ensure healthy, productive and sustainable forests. Learn more: www.ncforestry.org.