Quesnel’s Joseph Frisby is one of 12 British Columbians who received a B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) forestry scholarship this year.

The scholarships were announced during National Forest Week Sept. 20-26.

CAPTION: Joseph Frisby earned $1,500 towards his studies at the College of New Caledonia

COFI established its forestry scholarship in 2007 with the goal of encouraging young people to choose professional, technical or trades careers in the forest sector, according to a news release.

Scholarship recipients will each receive $1,500 to support their studies at post-secondary learning institutions across British Columbia.

“This year, we are proud to support these 12 talented future leaders as they begin their educational journeys,” Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO of COFI, said in the release. “We’re hopeful that the path they choose through their studies will lead them to an exciting career in the forest industry.”

Frisby is studying natural resources and forest technology at the College of New Caledonia.

The forest industry generates more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in B.C., including one in four jobs in the manufacturing sector, according to COFI.

“Forestry has been a cornerstone of B.C.’s economy for over 100 years,” said Yurkovich. “Looking forward, with the world increasingly turning to low-carbon wood products, we welcome the next generation of students who may consider a future in what will continue to be a dynamic and innovative industry.”