The suite of New Zealand forestry qualifications spanning across forest harvesting and silviculture operations has been updated and was officially launched towards the end of 2021, says Competenz. This comes as part of the NZQA-mandated five-yearly qualification review.
Coverage of some new operations has been introduced to keep pace with technology and changes in the industry and ensure updates to health, safety, and environmental regulations are followed.
This includes programmes for the operation of mobile cable yarders, mechanised thinning, and mechanised land preparation machines. Updates have also been made to ensure health and safety, and environmental regulations are followed.
Forestry Account Manager, Ross Marshall, says the review and update of the qualifications was very important; as technology continues to evolve, so do we.
"With new qualifications to keep up with the advancements within our industry, we’re able to match the demand for production and, most importantly, safety."
The suite takes a focused and robust approach, with each of the qualifications made up of core units that cover foundation skills.This knowledge is built on as learners progress through the programmes and diversify into specialised strands.
Most of the task-based learning that previously existed remains the same, but the programmes have been enhanced with the introduction of some of the more mechanised operations.
"New qualifications will allow our learners to keep up with industry demand. They will be trained for tasks safely and to a high standard. Our industry is growing, and so is our knowledge to make working in forestry easier and safer," says Mr Marshall.
As always, the qualifications are open to anyone employed in the industry. All Competenz resources, learning support materials, and assessment guides have been updated to facilitate a seamless rollout and ensure learners and employers get the most out of these refreshed qualifications.
Young Kiwis take on forestry
More young New Zealanders are making forestry and wood processing their future with seven more talented applicants joining the Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarship programme.
"It is fantastic to keep seeing young people embarking on their forestry career. The growth in the sector means more opportunities for highly skilled people due to research, innovation and increased mechanisation," says Debbie Ward, Director, Business and Spatial Intelligence, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.
"The scholarship programme offers students a pathway to higher-level study, where they gain the skills, expertise and capabilities which the forestry and wood processing sector needs now and into the future."
The successful scholarship recipients for the 2022 academic year are: Paula Tucker Camano from Hamilton, Phoebe Naske from Gisborne (featured right), Stephen Thompson from Rotorua, Emma Plomp from Invercargill, Joe Falloon from Masterton, Tyler Rowe from Wellington, and Whanarua Edmonds from Pukehina.
The scholarship programme, now in its fourth year, aims to grow the capability of the forestry and wood processing workforce and encourage greater diversity in the industry.
To date, 23 students throughout New Zealand have received scholarships since 2018, with the first students expected to complete their qualifications at the...
