The Maritime College of Forest Technology is a Fredericton-based college that trains forest technicians in natural resource education.
The Maritime College of Forest Technology (MCFT) specializes in natural resource education. Located at 1350 Regent Street in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the college occupies the east wing of the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Complex. All students are enrolled in the two-year Forest Technology Diploma program. The college has over 3,600 alumni across Canada.
The college was established in April 1946 as the Maritime Forest Ranger School, formerly known as MFRS, through a co-operative effort of the provincial governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and the wood-using industries of both provinces. In 1980 it expanded to include a francophone campus in Bathurst, NB. In 2003 it changed its name to the Maritime College of Forest Technology and adopted a two-year curriculum. In 2017 it introduced a 2-year Utility Arborist program, the first diploma program offered independently of the Forest Technology program since 1946.
In 2008 MCFT began offering an Advanced Diploma Program in Forest Technology and Fish & Wildlife Technology. The college's 2-year Forest Technology diploma program is a candidate for accreditation by ECO Canada under the forest technology standard.
The campus is located on the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre grounds, which cover 28 hectares and include two large fields for outdoor activities. The grounds sit adjacent to the 1500 hectare UNB woodlot, giving students quick access to roadways, water bodies, and forested areas during lab activities. The campus shares its grounds with the Canadian Forest Service, the New Brunswick Department of Energy and Resource Development, the University of New Brunswick, and the York-Sunbury-Charlotte wood marketing board. Listed facilities include Bedard Hall, Torunski Hall, Hockey Pond, an Outdoor Eating Area, and residence facilities.
MCFT offers several admission routes, including standard admission for domestic high school graduates, competitive average admission, and mature applicant admission. International applicants are evaluated individually, with English proficiency tests, and may also apply with country-specific secondary certificates.