The Sector function:

Forest Harvesting is carried out in both native hardwood forests and softwood or hardwood plantations.

The Harvesting sector includes the harvesting and transporting of logs from the forest to the point of primary processing. Key activities include felling and delimbing, snigging or the off-road transporting of the cut logs to a loading point, sorting and loading the logs onto a transport vehicle, and hauling the logs to the mill or primary processing plant. In some cases, the logs can also be debarked during this stage, but this depends on factors like tree species and the output being produced.

Harvesting operations, particularly in softwood plantations, are often highly mechanized. Modern machines used in both hardwood and softwood harvesting operations commonly use computer technology and require a high level of operator skill.

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Qualifications for this Sector:
FPI20205 - Certificate II in Forest and Forest Products (Forest Harvesting)
FPI30205 - Certificate III in Forest and Forest Products (Forest Harvesting)

Occupations within this Sector:
Chainsaw Operator
Mechanical Harvester Operator
Skidder Operator
Dozer Operator
Harvesting Manager
Loader Operator
Truck Driver
Tally Clerk
Mechanic
Log Truck Loader

Short Courses for this Sector:

Tree Felling - Basic		Environmental Care
Tree Felling - Intermediate		Cross Cutting - Felled Trees
Tree Felling - Advance		Harvesting Equipment (skidder, dozer)
Occupational Health & Safety

Training and Assessment Methods:

The majority of FITEC's training is conducted at a workplace. FITEC schedules its courses based on demand rather than timetabling in advance and for dates not suitable to members of the industry. FITEC is able to deliver courses for numbers as small as 5 students, subject to dates being suitable to both clients and FITEC. The following are a variety of different training and assessment methods used in our training:

Skill Assessment - student is assessed while undertaking a task aligned to the competency. This section may include the requirement to complete a log which records the amount of time spent "practicing" this skill.

Theory Test - the student completes a theory test specifically to meet the competency standard outcomes - it can be either responded by written or verbal depending on student and competency requirement.

Resource Reading - the student reads student handbooks/resources/manufactures instructions handbooks to ensure currency of information in relation to the competency standard requirements.

Theory Assessment - the student completes other activities including short answer questions and specific workplace activities to ensure workplace competence.

Student Workbook - the student completes the activities in the student workbook

Funding Options:

There may be a number of different funding options available to employees of the industry using State Government funding. These initiatives can subsidise training and assessment for one Competency, a group of Competencies or a Nationally Recognised Qualification. These Qualifications are Nationally Recognised and portable and can credit towards numerous Qualifications.

	Employer Cost to FITEC*	Federal Incentives payments**
Traineeship - Certificate II level	$400-$500	$1375
Traineeship - Certificate III level	$500-$700	$4400
Certificate III - existing workers	>$3000	$4400
Individual Competencies	$Varied	$0

* Costs may vary slightly and are subject to change at the discretion of FITEC
** These incentives may be available for new and existing employees but to determine your eligibility you should contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

For more information contact FITEC on 3391 7788