The Forestry Resources Technology Diploma Program
This program provides the technical training required for starting a career in natural resource management. The program emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all the major values including timber, recreation, wildlife, range, fish, water, and visual landscapes. The program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada Board. Graduates meet the required standard for membership with Forest Professionals BC (FPBC) as Registered Forest Technologists (RFT). Graduates are also eligible to obtain a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) professional designation through the College of Applied Biology.
Twelve courses in the program are currently recognized by the FPBC and may be credited toward gaining the status of Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in accordance with the Foresters Act of BC. Credit may be granted towards VIU’s Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology, Geography and Fisheries & Aquaculture programs.
In the summer, between the first and second year of the program, all students are expected to obtain a forestry-related job to broaden their knowledge of practical forestry. VIU assists students in obtaining forestry employment, both during the summer months and following graduation.
Students may transfer into the second year of VIU’s Forestry program either from community colleges in BC, or from a recognized forest technology school in Canada or the United States. The qualifications of each student requesting such transfer are adjudicated individually. VIU Students also have the opportunity of transferring to other institutions.
Students are required to complete two one-day First Aid courses (OFA Level 1 and Transportation Endorsement) by the end of September of the first year.
Students wishing to obtain an undergraduate degree in Forest Resource Management or Forest Operations from the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Forestry may, after completing the VIU program (“bridging” year), transfer directly into third year at UBC.
More than $20,000 of scholarships, awards and bursaries are specifically dedicated to students of the forestry program each year. These monies are in addition to the general financial aid available to forestry students. For more information on scholarships, bursaries and awards, please check with the Financial Aid office or visit Financial Aid and Awards.