There are two entry levels of pre-employment training available. These are:
Level 2 National Certificates
- The basic knowledge and skills that you need at the start of your career in forestry - some are 'employable' skills that could help you to get a job.
- An understanding of the trees we grow and what happens to them when they are harvested.
- How to use a chainsaw safely.
- How to look after your health through good nutrition.
- The chance to choose optional topics, such as tree planting, growing and tending forest trees (known as silviculture) and basic forest harvesting skills.
These qualifications are available from a number of providers, including:
- Waiariki Institute of Technology
- NorthTec
- Telford Rural Polytechnic
Some of these providers offer the full Level 2 qualification, while others offer units towards it. A few providers also offer units towards the next level of qualifications which are the Level 3 National Certificates.
and
Level 6 National Diploma in Forestry (Forest Management)
- The comprehensive skills and knowledge you need to manage a commercial plantation forest on a sustainable basis to meet the objectives of the forest owner.
- The scientific knowledge needed to understand soil nutrition and wood formation in trees.
- Practical skills related to growing a forest crop.
- The skills you need to manage the business of a forest enterprise.
- An excellent balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Doing training before looking for a job is likely to give you an advantage with employers and will give you more information about working in the forestry. Employers also look for:
- Proven work habits
- Positive attitude and motivation to achieve and improve work skills
- Mental and physical ability
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to do further training
You can improve your chances of getting a job and your career prospects by having higher school qualifications and a good employment history, even in after-school or holiday jobs.
At polytech you can start at Level 2 and progress, step by step, to higher level qualifications. This will depend on how far you want to go in the industry and how well you do. If you already meet the entry criteria for the Level 6 National Diploma in Forestry can start your training at this level.
These training programmes are managed by FITEC on behalf of the industry. Entry to them is based on criteria set by Skill New Zealand and / or the training provider.
Level 3 National Certificates
This qualification is generally completed on-the-job.
- Skills in plantation forest establishment and silviculture that help to achieve a high quality final crop.
- Skills and knowledge related to fire fighting, especially the control and suppression of vegetation fires.
- The chance to learn further operational forestry skills.
- Training in hydration, nutrition and other factors which affect the performance of forestry workers.
Many employers offer training plans to further your development in the industry. The training is managed by FITEC and may be delivered on-the-job and/or through polytechnics or private training enterprises (PTEs).
Some employers offer Modern Apprenticeships. You could be eligible for a Modern Apprenticeship if:
- You are 16 to 21 years old when you start
- You meet the entry requirements for the industry
- You are ready to work towards a National Certificate at Level 3 or 4.
- Once you have completed Level 2, you can go on to other levels (whether or not you are in a Modern Apprenticeship), such as the Level 3 National Certificate.
As part of the programme, your employer commits to your Modern Apprenticeship, making sure that your training happens and helping with the cost. FITEC also covers some of the cost of the training and makes sure that the highest standards are maintained.
FITEC has Training Advisors who help set up the Modern Apprenticeship by putting your programme and achievement milestones together, then support you through it.
For specific qualification information, look in National Qualifications on this website.
Level 3 National Certificates
- Skills in plantation forest establishment and silviculture that help to achieve a high quality final crop.
- Skills and knowledge related to fire fighting, especially the control and suppression of vegetation fires.
- The chance to learn further operational forestry skills.
- Training in hydration, nutrition and other factors which affect the performance of forestry workers.
These Level 3 Certificates will prepare you for any one of the job-based qualifications at Level 4, according to your interests and abilities. There are a range of hands-on roles in establishment and silviculture for which there is a recognised qualification at Level 4.
The availability of particular jobs depends on the make-up of the crew but may include:
FOREST ESTABLISHMENT
This involves preparing the land to give young trees a good start, planting trees and weeding around them, either using chemical sprays or hand tools. After having done some training, you would work more independently in the forest and are expected to maintain quality standards.
SILVICULTURAL PRUNING
In this job you make decisions about the best trees to prune, and then remove the lower branches. Following training, the job may also include pruning higher up trees using ladders, and taking responsibility for the quality of the job.
SILVICULTURAL THINNING
If you have achieved the necessary skills and qualifications for using a chainsaw, you may be employed in silvicultural thinning. This involves culling out the malformed or small trees to concentrate on the trees that will be the final crop.
FOREST MENSURATION
At this level you may be assisting with, and taking greater responsibility for, tasks including:
- Measuring trees to find out whether they are ready for pruning or thinning.
- Measuring areas of forest to work out the volume and quality of the wood in the trees.
- Measuring sawn logs in forests, at mills or at the port to make sure they are what customers ordered.
Level 4 National Certificates
People who have achieved one (or more) of these certificates may be able to progress to management roles within the operation. Some people instead choose to move to other industry sectors, such as harvesting. Advancement is based on performance, attitude, experience and qualifications. More senior roles include:
CREW SUPERVISOR
A Crew Supervisor manages a crew of workers and is often responsible for work and product quality, training, and health and safety.
These skills are covered in the Level 4 National Certificates.
FORESTRY CONTRACTOR
A Forestry contractor is usually employed by a forest owner and is responsible for all aspects of the business including financial management, contract negotiation, quality control, training, health and safety and workforce development.
This role includes the management of forestry as a business, an area covered by the Level 5 National Certificate.
Level 5 National Certificates
There are a number of jobs in the management of forests working for the forest owner (usually a forestry company). To get one of these jobs you may need a tertiary qualification (in forestry or a related area) such as the Level 6 National Diploma in Forestry.
Level 6 National Diploma in Forestry (Forest Management)
- The comprehensive skills and knowledge you need to manage a commercial plantation forest on a sustainable basis to meet the objectives of the forest owner.
- The scientific knowledge needed to understand soil nutrition and wood formation in trees.
- Practical skills related to growing a forest crop.
- The skills you need to manage the business of a forest enterprise.
- An excellent balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
This qualification is available through:
- Waiariki Institute of Technology
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
If you do this qualification straight from school, you will learn a range of practical and theoretical skills to prepare you for a management job in forestry. Graduates of the course will usually start in support roles and may have to work in some of the entry-level jobs described in previous sections to learn about the operations they will be managing. Employers generally prefer to employ graduates who have worked during their holidays, in the forestry industry or related sectors.
After completing the National Diploma in Forestry, you may choose to continue your training by going on to a university degree. The National Diploma may earn you some credits towards your degree, however this depends on the programme and is up to the university.
Management jobs may include:
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
Manages the activities of a group of contractors. May also take on specialised roles in health and safety, training, or environmental management.
TECHNICAL FORESTER
Designs, conducts and manages trials to test new equipment and methods for effectiveness. Analyses data and makes recommendations. Teaches others how to implement new ideas.
FOREST MANAGER
Responsible for the overall management of a forest area. Plans long term development and organises daily activities within the forest.
FOREST INFORMATION MANAGER
Responsible for maintaining systems for mapping, inventory management, treatment programmes and other information relevant to forest areas.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Responsible for the communications network and health and safety (e.g. fire risk) management.
In addition, there are job opportunities with forest consulting companies and in Research. Typical jobs are:
FORESTRY CONSULTANT
Provides advice to forest and landowners about forest development and management, or specific forestry related projects.
RESEARCH WORKER
Works with the scientific community and industry to enhance existing or develop new technology or methods for the industry.