Mike Hurring Logging apprenticeship programme

Well known logging and contractor, Mike Hurring Logging, started apprentice group training 7 years ago to build more capacity in the harvesting sector. Based in Balclutha, New Zealand, there was an ongoing shortage of young operators to fill the expected gaps due to the ageing workforce.

The program has recently expanded to include university graduates, as this program provides them with practical skills to sit alongside their degrees. Over 40 mostly young, men, and women have completed the course and the retention rate sits at over 70%.

The entrants are signed in to a NZ Certificate in forest harvesting at level 4 through Competenz. This includes 4 one week blocks over the course of a year, with the remainder working with their crews at their normal job. Theory assessments are completed with a registered assessor in a classroom situation.

Regular industry visits give apprentices an overview of the whole forest industry supply chain. This includes access to a wide range of machinery on site in a safe environment, two simulators to help prepare them for machine operation, and an understanding of customer requirements. 

In addition, practical units can be assessed during these blocks, with the remainder assessed on their own machines at their worksite through normal assessor visits over the second year program.

Source: Mike Hurring Logging