Forestry and Wood Manufacturing Industry Training Courses
Forestry
A course by
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
A collection of industry training schemes and apprenticeships for forestry and wood manufacturing employees, offering knowledge and skills in forest harvesting, silviculture, timber machining and saw doctoring.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Waipā Campus, Rotorua
Core skills this course teaches
Chainsaw operation and maintenance
Ability to maintain and safely use chainsaws for non-commercial tasks such as cutting firewood and trimming trees.
Harvesting operations skills
Competence in basic machine operation, tree felling, breaking out, cross cutting, log scaling, and quality control for forestry harvesting crews.
Advanced harvesting techniques
Skills in cable extraction, mechanised felling and processing, log making, and other advanced harvesting processes.
What You're Signing Up For
These training schemes provide skills and credit towards New Zealand Certificates relevant to forestry harvesting operations and wood manufacturing. Courses include Introductory Chainsaw Skills, Harvesting Operations (basic and advanced), Silviculture Operations, and Forest Industry Operations, as well as block courses for Timber Machining and Saw Doctoring apprenticeships. Programs focus on practical skills for employment in forestry and wood manufacturing fields, credit recognition towards NZ Certificates, and emphasize workplace-based learning combined with block course delivery.
Course Content
- Introductory Chainsaw Skills (Level 3, up to 27 credits) - chainsaw maintenance and safe use for non-commercial/domestic jobs
- Working in Harvesting Operations (Level 3, up to 30 credits) - basic harvesting machine operation, tree felling, cross cutting, log scaling, etc.
- Advanced Harvesting Operations (Level 4, up to 30 credits) - advanced harvesting tasks like cable extraction, mechanised felling, loading, swing yarder extraction
- Working in Silviculture Operations (Level 3, up to 30 credits) - establishment, silviculture, or mensuration tasks
- Forest Industry Operations (Level 4, up to 30 credits) - advanced forestry, inventory and harvesting operations
- Timber Machining apprenticeship - 3-4 year apprenticeship with block courses at Timber Industry Training Centre
- Saw Doctoring apprenticeship - 3 year apprenticeship with block courses at Timber Industry Training Centre
- Core Skills - unit standards covering core skills for wood manufacturing employees, delivered on-site over multiple days
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Forestry
Wood Manufacturing
Timber Processing
Future employment opportunities might be
Forestry harvesting operator
Silviculture worker
Timber machining apprentice
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Courses span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.