Photo credit: IGV Housing
PORT ALBERNI – IGV Housing, a division of a manufactured home construction company, has hired 12 of 15 trainees from the North Island College and WorkBC and the Synergy Foundation through the Green Building Foundations & Manufacturing training program.
IGV Build Systems manufactures pre-engineered single-family and multi-family homes using a hybrid construction model that combines factory-built components for on-site assembly.
The program was developed to help workers transition into emerging opportunities in green building, construction, and manufacturing.
“Port Alberni has an incredibly skilled and resilient workforce, and this program is helping connect that local talent to the future of housing delivery,” says Jodie Thompson, Chief of Staff, IGV Housing. “As IGV Housing grows in Port Alberni, we need skilled employees who understand safety, teamwork, and build quality. This program helps create that foundation while supporting people who want to keep working, building, and contributing in their own community.
Port Alberni has seen significant disruption across the forestry sector in recent years, including the indefinite curtailment of Western Forest Products’ Alberni Pacific Division and layoffs connected to San Group’s Port Alberni operations. The program is helping workers, including people impacted directly or indirectly by mill closures, build skills for full-time employment in a growing industry close to home.
Many participants in the first cohort were displaced sawmill workers, mature-aged workers, or people who had previously been required to work away from Port Alberni and their families. By creating a direct training-to-employment pathway, the program is helping workers move into full-time roles while supporting the skilled workforce needed as IGV Housing grows its Port Alberni facility.
Since August 2025, IGV Housing has grown from 12 to 45 full time employees. The second cohort of the program is expected to add another 15 workers.
Participants hired by IGV Housing as Production Operators support the manufacture of pre-engineered building components, including SmartCore units, volumetric wall panel systems, and coordinated building packages, in a controlled production environment.
“Programs like this help ensure workers can access the training and certifications they need to participate in emerging green economy opportunities close to home,” notes Tai Uhlmann, Senior Project Manager, Circular Economy at Synergy Foundation. “We are proud to support a partnership that strengthens local employment pathways, builds practical skills, and contributes to more sustainable approaches to construction and manufacturing.”
Leanne Moore, Continuing Education Program Officer and Community Liaison for North Island College, adds, “North Island College Continuing Education and Training works closely with community and industry partners to deliver responsive training that meets local workforce needs. This program reflects what is possible when employers, funders, and training providers come together around a shared goal: helping people build the skills and confidence to move into meaningful work in their own community.”
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