FREE TO GROW IN FORESTRY

ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAM

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The FTG Certification Program is a series of online training modules designed to provide members of the forest sector with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the complexities of fostering a positive workplace culture.

This program has been industry tested and is designed with adult e-learning capability, ensuring you make it through to the finish line. It offers practical guidance on how to overcome resistance to workplace culture change, how to be an inclusive leader and how to be an effective ally.

  1. Free to Grow in Forestry: Unlocking the Competitive Advantage of Inclusion

  2. Allyship in Action: From Intent to Positive Impact

  3. Inclusive Leadership: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

  4. Overcoming Resistance to Workplace Culture Change: Tools and Strategies to Make Change Happen

Les cours de formation en ligne sont actuellement disponibles en anglais uniquement.

The online training courses are currently available in English only.

Testimonials

  • “The Free to Grow in Forestry Program training modules on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace are groundbreaking. Professional, practical, and achievable! Using a storytelling approach that includes experiences, the training modules build the case for the benefits of diversity to build successful enterprises—'the potential of the diversity advantage’. The tools provided to learn allyship, inclusive leadership and how to overcome resistance are invaluable. The steps to ‘be the change, make the change, and leverage the change’ provide a clear path for transforming the workplace. Although directed at the private sector, I couldn't help but think about all the other enterprises--public service, nonprofits, etc.--that would benefit from this training!”

    Dr. M.A. (Peggy) Smith, R.P.F. (Ret.)
    Professor Emerita, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University

  • "I recommend these training courses to anyone who wants to think about the positioning of their company with regard to D&I. If you are unsure or looking for how to start a D&I process or want concrete tools to help you and your team move to the next step, take the time to follow these training courses, they will certainly be useful to you."

    Johanne Latour
    Vice-présidente des ressources humaines | Vice President of Human Resources
    Les Entreprises Barrette

  • “The Free to Grow (FTG) training modules were nothing short of transformative! Their expertise and passion for fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace environment were evident throughout the program. The modules provide valuable insights into the nuances of diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping one better understand the importance of creating a workplace that embraces differences. The exercises within support reflective discussions and real-life scenarios with allow for further exploration of the topics at hand. This practical approach sets this training apart from others. From understanding unconscious bias to fostering allyship and promoting a culture of belonging, the modules cover a wide range of important topics. Thank you for developing DEI training that seeks to enhance our understanding and for leading the change!”

    Kristen Stinson
    Vice President, People, Culture, Health, Safety & Environment
    Regency Fireplace Products

  • "The Free to Grow in Forestry’s Inclusion, Equity and Diversity training is very easy to navigate. The ability to work through this at whatever pace suites you is great. I found the section on overcoming resistance particularly insightful. I would recommend this to folks just starting out with their I&D journey, as well as people who are well on their way as there is a learning opportunity for everyone. 8/10 rating."

    Nelson Schneider
    Training Program Manager
    Canadian Forest Products (Canfor)
    Chair 2024 Diversity Council

  • "This training gave me the courage and the tools to start having these conversations in my workplace. It’s often not easy to start these conversations, but once you begin, armed with the tools from this training, you can have deep and meaningful conversations within your organization that lead to positive change from a value-add and diversity perspective."

    Sarah C. Billig
    Director, Stewardship
    Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Companies

  • "I recommend this training for anybody searching for the language to express ideas and concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are important topics but can prove difficult to articulate, and this training helped me with that."

    Loni Pierce
    President (2023-2024)
    Canadian Institute of Forestry

  • "I thought the Free to Grow in Forestry Certification Course was a perfect introduction to DE&I and gave me the tools to start implementing change in my organization. The platform was easy to use, highly engaging, and provided real stories that made the training approachable. Also, I really enjoyed the pop culture references throughout the course. It made the training feel less corporate. I would highly recommend this course to anyone leading a team in the forest sector! "

    Tyler Niles
    Silviculture Manager
    Grande Prairie Timberlands
    Weyerhaeuser

  • "I was impressed with the Free to Grow in Forestry certification course! The training covers key issues that the forest sector faces and helps support our efforts to attract and retain a best in class workforce. The content is easily digestible, innovative, dynamic as well as practical and immediately applicable. I recommend this training for anyone wanting to make a positive impact in their organization and our sector."

    Alicia Cramer
    Senior V.P.
    US Endowment for Forestry and Communities

  • "I feel that the Free to Grow in Forestry Certification Course is a great way to introduce the topic of Diversity & Inclusion to people working in the forest industry. The training is personal and relevant. Although suited for middle managers, I think anyone would find something in this training that resonates with them and makes them think about their own actions and biases and how those impact their organization. The module structure allows you exposure a little at a time, providing the space a person needs for reflection and to absorb the messages. Highly recommend! "

    Traci Carter, RPFT
    Weyerhaeuser

  • "The Wood Pellet Association of Canada is striving to be among the most inclusive and successful trade associations by actively seeking out diversity across our industry. We applaud the Free to Grow in Forestry (FTG) initiative’s pursuit of gender equality and meaningful inclusion of equity-deserving groups in the forest sector. To this end, we recommend FTG’s new training modules. They cover essential topics like the competitive advantage of diversity and inclusion; making a positive impact; the role of leadership in attracting and retaining top talent; and overcoming resistance to make change happen. We especially appreciate how the modules are designed to be picked up and left off progressively in small blocks of time, making them convenient for even the busiest managers. And making them smart phone-compatible was brilliant!"

    Gordon Murray, RPF, CPA, CMA
    Executive Director
    Wood Pellet Association of Canada

  • "My job involves assisting colleagues in DEI programming with focus on technical and evidence-based methods. While many DEI in workplace training materials discuss the importance of DEI (what and why), few offer the “how”. This online training, however, fills that gap by offering actionable insights grounded in theory, experience and enriched with practical examples – a rarity. An invaluable resource that I thoroughly enjoy."

    Sinta Dewi
    Senior Manager, Gender and Diversity
    Forest Stewardship Council International
    Bonn, Germany

Enroll today

From increased employee engagement to measurable improvements in workplace culture, the benefits of embracing diverse minds in decision making are undeniable.

By becoming FTG Certified, you not only demonstrate your commitment to having a more positive workplace culture in your organization but also equip yourself with invaluable skills to propel your career in forestry forward.

Enroll today to play a pivotal role in driving positive change within your organization.

Course content was developed by the forest sector for the forest sector.

Creating an inclusive workplace culture

Fostering an inclusive culture of the Free to Grow in Forestry initiative aims to create pathways for the recruitment, retention and advancement of women and underrepresented groups in the forest sector through best practices and the development of innovative thinking that groups can use to affect change across their organizations.

The Free to Grow in Forestry Certification Program is a highly interactive, mobile friendly online training course that helps engage individuals on why they need to take action and how to go about it.