Oregon’s forest sector is a key part of the state’s economy and community. It contributes to the third-largest gross domestic product in Oregon, producing 28% of the nation’s plywood and 16.5% of U.S. lumber. However, the industry faces big challenges, such as an aging workforce, fewer new recruits and the need for safer, more engaging training methods.
Logging is one of the most dangerous jobs in the state, with higher fatality rates than any other occupation. This highlights the need for better safety education and workforce development.
Participants who found the activity engaging were more likely to report learning about forestry and show interest in forestry careers.
Oregon State University Extension Service’s Virtual Canopy: Immersive Training for Future Forestry Professionals program uses virtual reality technology to tackle these challenges. It creates an engaging and interactive training experience for high school students, career seekers and new logging employees. By combining safety education with career exposure, the program promotes forest sector careers and reduces workplace injuries. A recent grant will add safety lessons to the current VR experience.
The VR experience has three parts:
- Career Scenarios: Gamified simulations of key forestry jobs like harvester operator, choker setter and truck loader. Participants complete hands-on tasks in a controlled environment.
- Explore Mode: A free-form exploration of forest ecosystems and job sites for flexible, self-paced learning, especially for students who don’t like structured tasks.
- Glossary Resource: A comprehensive glossary of logging terms and visuals to help users understand industry-specific language.
These training opportunities are portable, accessible and scalable. They are available in classrooms, career fairs and workplaces. OSU Extension has 20 virtual reality headsets for educators, with more units provided by industry partners like the Associated Oregon Loggers Inc. and the OSU College of Forestry for recruitment and training events.
Evaluation data from 232 participants, mostly high school students, show the program’s success. Students rated the experience on a scale from one to 10. Here are the average ratings:
- 8/10: Participants learned something new about forestry and forestry careers.
- 8/10: The equipment was easy to use.
- 7/10: Found the activity engaging, would participate again, and would recommend it to a friend.
- 6/10: Showed interest in learning more about forestry jobs.
There was no significant drop in engagement or learning outcomes based on prior forestry experience or gender, showing the program’s broad appeal and accessibility.
Participants who found the activity engaging were more likely to report learning about forestry and show interest in forestry careers. This demonstrates the effectiveness of gamification in reaching younger audiences.
Virtual Canopy addresses workforce challenges while supporting Oregon’s important forest sector. It fosters excitement for forestry careers and in the coming year will enhance safety awareness. This program is a sustainable and scalable solution to train the next generation of forestry professionals, ensuring the industry remains safe, vibrant and resilient.