• You want a practical, outdoor career where you can work hands-on in nature while contributing to the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems.
• You want a career in the Forest Industry as a Machinery Operator.

Then this is the course for you.

To make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, please consider the essential skills and knowledge below. You must: 

• Have an interest in operating machinery and basic mechanical understanding. 

• Demonstrate sound English reading and writing skills. 

• Show well-developed communication skills. 

• Have a sound level of physical fitness and mobility.

• Have good hand-eye coordination for precise control of machine movements.

• Demonstrate spatial awareness to understand surroundings to manoeuvre machinery safely. 

• Show your ability to work independently as well as within a team. 

• Demonstrate your ability to follow Work Health and Safety procedures and respond to immediate safety risks. 

You will gain the practical skills and knowledge to undertake operational roles in forest operations. This includes applying knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and protecting the environment, including the areas of cultural significance. You are also expected to operate equipment according to workplace procedures and conduct work tasks specific to a forest operation.

Time Commitment – You will need to allocate appropriate time to complete this course. This includes attending classes on-site and/or online as outlined in the study mode; and undertake independent study outside of class hours, including private study, assessment preparation, research and complete assessment requirements.

Below are some of the important personal skills you will be required to develop and demonstrate during training. These skills are highly valued by industry:

• Respectful Communication - Interact with people from different backgrounds, share ideas effectively and build trust.
• Teamwork – Collaborate with others, show them respect, and be open to feedback.
• Problem Solving - There is always a solution. How do you respond to a challenge? If you spot a problem, we encourage you to ask questions, clarify as needed, and respond appropriately within your training.
• Initiative - Stay motivated, take proactive steps, and seek help when necessary.
• Planning - Manage time well. Knowing how to prioritise and completing your tasks efficiently are crucial for your success.
• Self-Management - Reflect on your performance. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth and success as a student at South Regional TAFE. Being a professional in the workplace can mean learning when to accept responsibility for your failures as often as your successes. This is how we learn!
• Learning – Recognise what your strengths already are. Then embrace all the new knowledge and experience from your South Regional TAFE journey to grow as a student. Some of the skills you will learn include:
  • Communication
  • Quality assurance and environmental protection
  • Soil and water protection
  • Operate machinery and equipment - front-end loader, excavator with log grapple, feller buncher, forwarder, single grip harvester, skidder, integrated or split flail and wood-chipper with crane
  • Fire risk
  • Interpret road maps and navigate pre-determined routes
  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • First Aid and fatigue management
• Technology - Adapt to new tools, access digital resources, and integrate technology into your learning.