Sierra Pacific Provides Career Insights
Sierra Pacific Industries is committed to education and ensuring workforce development of the next generation from site visits to scholarship applications.
Learn more about how SPI partners with Shelton School District to offer an interactive experience, looking inside today’s modern mill and career paths.
Last year alone, SPI toured over 1000 students through their facilities highlighting sustainable forestry practices, modern manufacturing, and renewable power generation.
In February, Sierra Pacific Industries Shelton division organized a two-day event where around 400 freshmen from Shelton High School came together to learn about natural resources, manufacturing, and the many career opportunities available at Sierra Pacific.
The students were split into groups where they each visited stations where they learned about different parts of the mill and processes. The photo at the bottom left depicts Environmental Coordinator Chelsea Norton explaining to Shelton freshmen what steps SPI takes to protect Oakland Bay, part of the Salish Sea. At the bottom right Planer Superintendent Louis Pinnell and Debarker Operator Johnny Rubey showed an interested student how operators maintain the flow of logs entering the sawmill. Meanwhile, SPI Check Scaler Heidi Bowen explained the process of scaling logs to the students. Heidi shared her career path and how she supports the log yards in Washington State.
The site visit was part of Shelton School District’s Freshman Academy. The Freshman Academy is designed to provide an effective transition for students entering 9th grade and gives guided opportunities for students to explore multiple career content areas prior to picking an academy.
Freshman Academy also offers opportunities for students to interact with community members and industry experts such as Sierra Pacific Industries in meaningful ways.
Lisa Perry, Community Relations Manager said: “The Sierra Pacific Industries crew is incredibly proud to partner with Shelton High School not only to showcase the opportunities at our facility but also to encourage students to think about different kinds of careers.”