Education
Discover Forestry New Zealand
TOTSWC is a proud member of Discover Forestry NZ, a new initiative that provides resources, information and in-school programmes nationwide. Discover Forestry NZ, the collaboration of a number of Wood Councils across New Zealand, delivers a diverse range of forestry related material, as well as coordinates a number of education and community programmes and events. Want to learn about the life cycle of forestry? Discover Forestry has got you covered. Want to know how much value forestry contributes to the New Zealand economy (we are the fourth biggest export earner in the country) or how much of our timber is used in New Zealand (around 66% of our timber is used domestically)? Discover Forestry also has that covered!
Their Wood is Good programme has been running across the top of the south for several years, with more schools signing up for this fun, informative experience for primary and intermediate-aged students every year.
WOOD IS GOOD
Wood is Good is a forestry industry and road safety education programme. It is a tailored array of activities, videos, publications and demonstrations to educate students on the valuable benefits of forestry.
These include environmental topics, carbon storage, climate change, wood products and how plantation trees are grown and harvested in our country. Local log transport providers and forestry professionals deliver these sessions. Where possible, we work with operators who are parents or have a personal connection with the school.
Another programme run through Discover Forestry NZ is Grow Me. Grow Me is a secondary schools engagement programme offering work experience programmes, study and scholarships, school visits and careers and expo information.
Locally, Coronation Forest in Golden Downs near Nelson has helped to spark an interest in forestry and the benefits of the industry for generations of school children. The programme started in 1953, when local schools were supplied with seedlings to establish their own small nurseries, giving children the chance to be involved in growing their own forest and learn about the importance of the forestry industry.
Every year since then, hundreds of children come to Coronation Forest to plant seedlings and learn about plantation forestry by counting and measuring the trees that are ready for harvesting. They also learn about the relationship between plantation and native forests, and the protected native trees and birdlife in the area.
MBC Forestry Course
In Marlborough, the Boys’ College offers students wishing to explore a career in the forest and wood processing industry an excellent start with the Level 2 NCEA accredited Forestry Course. The MBC course provides a practical, hands-on experience with a good overview of the industry, covering health and safety, environmental requirements, the growth and processing of commercial forest as well as the use of chainsaws and training requirements. TOTSWC is a proud supporter of the Forestry Course, providing funding for equipment, workbooks, accreditation, out of classroom learning and pathways to jobs.
Other local education providers also offer courses that provide the required skills and real, hands-on experience. Toi Ohomai forestry runs a range of courses dedicated to introducing the varied roles available across the industry and a means to get there.
The Government’s Apprenticeship Support Programme
The Government’s Apprenticeship Support Programme is a comprehensive package of support for apprentices and their employers designed to ensure that the jobs of existing apprentices are secure and that new apprentices continue to start training throughout the recovery from COVID-19. This programme is designed to help give our people and businesses the confidence to continue to develop the skills needed for New Zealand’s economic recovery and rebuild. This is a useful resource for those of us in the forestry industry to ensure we continue to train the next generation of workers and help us sustain the industry for the future.
University of Canterbury School of Forestry
Looking for a career focused more on forestry science, management or engineering? The School of Forestry at Canterbury University is the only university in New Zealand to offer professional forestry degree programmes, including undergraduate and post-graduate programmes on forestry science and forestry road engineering, run through the School of Forestry and the Faculty of Engineering.
Forestry Scholarships
There are a number of generous forestry scholarships available. Including:
- MPI/Te Uru Rakau
- Wood Industry Development and Education (WIDE) Trust
- NZ Institute of Forestry Foundation
- Log Transport Safety Council Training Pathway Scholarships
As well as these, many forestry companies offer their own scholarships and pathways to work programmes. TOTSWC can help you learn more about what is offered locally.