Green Building Training Program Expands Opportunities for Port Alberni Workers

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The second cohort of the Green Building Foundations & Manufacturing training program has launched in Port Alberni, aimed at equipping local workers with skills for careers in green construction, following the success of the first cohort.

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – In a significant development for the local workforce, IGV Housing, Synergy Foundation, North Island College, and WorkBC have announced the launch of the second cohort for the Green Building Foundations & Manufacturing training program. This initiative comes after the first cohort's success, which saw 15 individuals complete the training, with 12 of them securing full-time positions as production operators at IGV Housing, while three others found employment with different organizations.
The second cohort commenced on May 19, 2026, and is set to enhance the workforce at IGV Housing, which has expanded its employee base from 12 to 45 full-time workers since August 2025. With an additional 15 trainees expected to join the ranks, this program aims to provide local residents with essential skills and safety certifications tailored for careers in green construction and manufacturing.
Delivered in partnership with North Island College and Synergy Foundation, the training program is designed to address the pressing need for skilled labor in Port Alberni, particularly in light of recent disruptions within the forestry sector. These disruptions include the indefinite suspension of operations at Western Forest Products’ Alberni Pacific Division and associated layoffs at San Group's Port Alberni operations.
The program is particularly beneficial for individuals affected by these mill closures, allowing them to transition into emerging job opportunities within the green building sector, which is experiencing growth. Many participants in the inaugural cohort were displaced sawmill workers, older adults, or individuals who previously had to work away from their families in Port Alberni.
Among the participants is Tina, a 55-year-old member of the Tseshaht First Nation, who highlighted the broader impact of the program beyond technical training. Tina, one of the two women in the first cohort, expressed her gratitude for the hands-on experience, new certifications, and the support received from the program team, emphasizing the personal significance of this career advancement.
Those hired by IGV Housing as production operators contribute to the manufacturing of pre-engineered building components, including SmartCore units, volumetric wall panel systems, and coordinated building packages, all produced in a controlled environment.
The second cohort is set to run until June 19, 2026, providing participants with valuable skills and a pathway to stable employment in a growing industry close to home. For further details, interested individuals can reach out via email at [email protected].

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