Weyerhaeuser Company announced a national partnership with Be Pro Be Proud, an initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas (ASCC/AIA) to raise awareness among middle- and high-school students for career paths in the skilled workforce, including opportunities in forestry and the forest products industry.
Through the partnership, Weyerhaeuser will support the initiative’s educational outreach and recruiting activities, which include tours, mobile workshops, and learning modules designed to give students virtual and hands-on experiences with careers in skilled trades. Students also experience annual “Draft Days” that match high-school seniors with prospective employers for job interviews.
Weyerhaesuer will also work with Be Pro Be Proud to develop a new learning module for careers in forestry and forest products to be used this year, according to the company. Be Pro Be Proud is licensed and operating in Arkansas, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In 2024, the initiative hopes to engage nearly 140,000 students at 850 tour stops in its six states of operations.
“Helping develop the next generation of skilled workers is one of the most important ways we can support rural operating communities,” Nancy Thompson, senior director of advocacy and philanthropy for Weyerhaeuser, said. “We’re excited to be partnering with Be Pro Be Proud to raise awareness for the range of careers available in the skilled workforce, including many interesting and rewarding opportunities in the forest products industry.”
