The WIDE Trust awards the Mike Hurring Forestry Training School a Grant

The Mike Hurring Forestry Training School in Balclutha has been awarded a grant from the WIDE Trust for its Apprentice Training School. With a shortage of trained personal in the forestry industry, both currently and forecasted, the apprenticeship programme will help provide much needed skilled operators for the industry.

The apprenticeship programme involves trainees undertaking training and assessment with qualified industry trainers using simulator technology. There is also the opportunity for training using a log loader and log truck, forwarder, wheeled harvester, bulldozer and skidder. Visits to various ports and sawmills are included in the training programme.

The programme is run over four, one-week block courses every 2-3 months.  A wide range of unit standards and general skills to help students towards their formal apprenticeship in forestry are included in the programme. All students are signed into a forestry apprenticeship with Competenz which will result in four NZQA Certificates – two at level 3 and two at level 4.

Regular visits from the Competenz account manager will ensure all apprentices are kept on track and working towards their qualifications.