Professionals working in the lumber and sawmill sector and looking to advance their careers can gain specialized training through BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing, starting June 2025. The IWP program was developed with industry subject matter experts and informed by industry leaders to support upskilling and professional development within the sector. The program is 1-year, delivered online and part-time to allow students to balance work and studies. What sets the program apart is the expertise behind the scenes—seasoned instructors who bring decades of hands-on experience from across North America. Here’s a look at some of the leading professionals guiding the next generation of wood processing experts:
Wayne Horvath – Lumber Fundamentals
With over 20 years of teaching at BCIT, Wayne Horvath is a pillar of the Forest and Natural Areas Management Department. Wayne is a Registered Forest Technologist and has received two Teaching Excellence Awards. Holding a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University, Wayne’s background includes Forest Mensuration and Inventory, Forest Engineering, Forest Health, and Photogrammetry, along with years of experience working in a lumber mill in the East Kootenays. Wayne has been involved in a broad range of other development initiatives and brings a wealth of education, knowledge, and experience to this program.
Julie Cool – Sawmill Technology
Joining the program in March 2025, Julie brings in a powerful mix of academic and industrial experience. As an Associate Professor in Sawmilling Optimization at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Julie also holds a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Wood Science from Université Laval (Québec, Canada). Previously, Julie has worked in industry in different capacities, including as a Modeling & Optimization Scientist at FPInnovations, carrying out diagnosis studies on sawmills. Thanks to her previous experience and ongoing interactions with the primary wood industry, she is very aware of the challenges and opportunities to minimize the production of waste and adapt to a changing resource-base and climate.
Vahid Nasir – Wood Processing Tools
As an expert in intelligent sawmilling and advanced manufacturing, Vahid Nasir is currently an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. He holds a PhD in Wood Science from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Vahid’s research explores the cutting edge of quality improvement and monitoring in wood processing—bringing a high-tech edge to the BCIT curriculum.
Ciprian Pirvu – Quality Control & Kiln Drying Courses
Dr. Ciprian Pirvu has been teaching specialized courses at BCIT for the past seven years, covering topics ranging from wood residuals to mass timber construction. An engineer by training, he holds graduate degrees from Shizuoka and Gifu Universities in Japan. Prior to joining BCIT, Dr. Pirvu worked for over 20 years in applied research on wood products in Canada and the US. His work has primarily focused on the quality and performance of wood products and the use of mass timber and engineered wood products in construction. He has worked closely with wood product manufacturers to ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards and has collaborated with standards organizations to develop new evaluation criteria for innovative wood products.
The Future of Wood Processing Starts Here
If you have employees that you would like to upskill and support developing their careers, or if you’re working in the wood products industry and want to stay ahead of the curve, BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing is your next step. With its flexible delivery, expert instruction, and direct ties to the realities of today’s wood manufacturing landscape, it’s the smart way to build your future while staying grounded in your career.
Learn More & Apply for June’s intake: BCIT Industrial Wood Processing