A new suite of forestry qualifications has launched

20 October 2021

As part of the NZQA-mandated five-yearly qualification review, our suite of forestry qualifications spanning across forest harvesting and silviculture operations have been updated and have officially launched.

Coverage of some new operations has been introduced to keep pace with technology and changes in the industry. 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. Read more.

Qualifications are made up of core units covering 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.

As always, the qualifications are open to anyone employed in the industry.

Competenz would like to thank all of the industry professionals who gave their time to help out with these reviews. This includes employers, workers, operators, and assessors. Their involvement in technical advisory groups, acting as subject matter experts, is crucial to ensure these qualifications are fit for purpose and provide an accurate representation of what is needed in the sector.

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.

The Forestry Programme Handbook containing details for all programmes is being updated and will be available in the coming weeks.

Competenz has also produced a number of support documents to aid the launch of the new programmes. These include:

• A forestry qualification pathway roadmap
• A summary of main changes
• Updates on the design of the harvesting apprenticeship programmes
• Details of a number of smaller micro-credential programmes
• An outline of the new resources and the resource ordering process
• Details on changes to the tree felling and clearing (non-production) programmes.

These support documents and further details on the new programmes can be accessed using the following links.

Most of these programmes are fully funded under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF).

If you would like to learn more, please get in touch with your Competenz account manager, or find out more here.

 The Competenz forestry team
Competenz Business Division
Te Pūkenga Work Based Learning Limited