Linking labor supply and demand in Maine’s forest industry: An assessment of workforce needs and readiness in an industry in transition

Major changes in the forest products industry in the state of Maine coupled with an aging
and declining population has created an industry in transition. In order to improve and support
the forest products industry and programs that educate and train workers, an educational
assessment will be conducted. As the labor workforce in Maine continues to age, the need to
understand motivations and preferences of young workers is critical to the survival of the Maine
economy of which the forest products industry occupies a large portion. An assessment of the
forest product labor supply (workers) and demand (employers) in the state of Maine will be
conducted in early 2017. Based on questionnaire results using a snowball sampling strategy a
gap analysis will be utilized to determine if there is a match or mismatch of skills, work culture,
and location among current forestry students, recent graduates/early career professionals, and
employers. By identifying skill mismatches, educational needs, and young worker human capital
investments, the forest products industry and educational programs in Maine can adapt to
transitions occurring in the market.

Faculty Mentor: Mindy Crandall