Quyon resident helping safely remove problem, fallen trees 0
D.F Johnson and Associates is starting up a tree service to safely deal with problem trees, and has hired an Algonquin College forestry technician graduate, thanks to funding from the federal Career Focus program. In the photo are, from left, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant, Dean Johnson, president of D.F. Johnson and Associates, and John Beaudoin, forestry technician.
John Beaudoin’s dream has always been to work in the forestry industry, and thanks to the Career Focus program, he is doing just that.
The Quyon, Que. resident and graduate of Algonquin College’s forestry technician program has recently been hired by Dean Johnson, president of D.F. Johnson and Associates, using a $18,000 grant from the federal job program. Mr. Beaudoin will be part of a tree service business being added on to Mr. Johnson’s forest industry consulting business.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the forest,” he said. Following graduation, he has spent eight months working in construction before he had this opportunity to work for Mr. Johnson in the field he trained for, a chance he is happy to have received.
His employer is happy to have him, noting he is highly qualified and certified to do the work, which involves the safe removal of problem and fallen trees.
“I’m hoping to hire someone else to help him within the next couple of weeks,” Mr. Johnson said. The tree service won’t be the only thing they do, but it will become an important part of his business.
It will start small, until the word can get out about it. In time, information on the tree service will be added to the company website at johnsonforestry.com.
Career Focus provides funding for employers and organizations to create career-related work experiences for post-secondary graduates.
The program is part of the Youth Employment Strategy.
The grant money partially covers the salary of the new hire. The rest is made up for by Mr. Johnson.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant said this grant program provides recent graduates with meaningful employment in their field of study, as well as promotes economic development by encouraging local businesses to expand.
She said it is important to show programs like Career Focus are well used and a proper and effective use of tax dollars. As such, they should be allowed to continue.
“These aren’t one-shot deals,” the MP said. “We need to show this program is still viable.”
Stephen Uhler is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist
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