📅 Thursday, July 17, 9:00 to 10:15 AM EST
📍 9th American Forestry Congress, Palladium Ballroom

As the education sector focuses on improving and updating forest-related programmes that appeal to youth, the forest sector needs to engage with those already employed and pave the way for its young professionals. It is this demographic, the youth already part of the workforce, who will ensure the forest sector remains relevant, ambitious, and plays a significant role in the economic, development, and environmental agendas. Considering the current development and environmental agenda, the forest sector is reorienting towards new markets and products, which often require new technological skills and broader awareness of environmental and socio-economic issues traditionally considered outside the purview of the forest sector. Investing in the workforce of the future must include career development strategies that incorporate time, experience, mentorship, and opportunities.