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.
- The forest harvesting skills needed in most forest harvesting operations.
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of plantation forest harvesting - log extraction, loading processes, tree felling and log making.
- An understanding of the importance of good hydration and nutrition, as well as the factors which reduce performance.
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
- The forest harvesting skills needed in most forest harvesting operations.
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of plantation forest harvesting - log extraction, loading processes, tree felling and log making.
- An understanding of the importance of good hydration and nutrition, as well as the factors which reduce performance.
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 the forestry 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:
TREE FALLERS
Work to bring the tree to the ground safely and without damaging it. They also aim to position the tree where it can be removed as easily as possible. Tree fellers are highly skilled specialists who are able to judge where each individual tree should best be felled.
BREAKERS-OUT
Breakers-out work in either ground-based or cable crews. They attach the strops to the tree stems and, in a small ground-based crew, may operate the machine that hauls the logs to where they are processed.
MACHINE OPERATORS
In a ground-based crew machine operators work extraction machines that pull the tree stems out of the forest after they have been felled and take them to be processed. The machine operators are skilled in moving the extraction machine through the forest area safely and efficiently.
CABLE HARVESTING OPERATORS
Use wire cable systems to get trees from steep or difficult areas. Various systems of wire ropes, blocks and travelling carriages are used to lift trees from deep valleys or across streams. Cable harvesting operators are skilled in designing and using the systems to get the trees in the most efficient way and keep environmental damage to a minimum.
LOG MAKERS
Decide how best to process the tree stems so they get the best value from them and the right sort of logs for the customer. This very skilled task often involves the use of a special computer to calculate the best combination of logs. They are also skilled in the use of a chainsaw to make the accurate cuts required.
LOG LOADER OPERATORS
After the log makers have cut the stems into logs, the loader operator sorts them into stacks to be loaded onto trucks. They make sure the maximum load is placed on each truck, that it is secure and safe for transportation. They also ensure the processing site is kept clear so that it's safe for the log makers.
MECHANISED HARVESTING OPERATORS
Use machines to fell, bunch together and take the tree stems to the landing. There are many different types of tree harvesting machines, each with a range of functions. Therefore highly skilled operators are needed to get the best results from the equipment.
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. (Delete in Forestry).
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.
DISTRIBUTION/ ROADING MANAGER
Manages maintenance and development of forest roads and issues to do with forest transport on public roads. Responsible for timely collection and delivery of tree stems and logs.
SCHEDULING MANAGER
Manages the link between customer orders and production to ensure timely collection, transfer to yards and delivery to customers.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Responsible for the communications network and health and safety (e.g. fire risk) management.
PORT OPERATIONS AND SHIPPING MANAGER
Manages the contracting, scheduling and loading of vessels to export logs and lumber to meet customer requirements.
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.