Back for its second year, Confor’s Introduction to Forestry Machinery event gave around 80 would-be operators a taste of the sector. Forestry Journal went along to one practical day to find out more and spoke to some of the sponsors to find out why they'd backed it.
EVERYONE in forestry has a responsibility to address its challenges and support the training of new recruits.
That's according to one of the sponsors of Confor’s Introduction to Forestry Machinery event, which recently gave around 18 would-be operators the chance to get behind the controls of a John Deere 1510G.
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The scheme – run with the support of partners including the aforementioned manufacturer, Scottish Forestry and Euroforest – had one key purpose; to get bums on seats and make sure they stay there.
And industry leader Stephen Bellas was among those to talk of the need for it if forestry is to have a vibrant future.
The managing director of Komatsu Forest, also a sponsor, said: “The forestry industry faces many challenges, and all within the industry have a responsibility to support wherever possible."
Here's what some of the sponsors had to say about the need for events like this one.
Stephen Bellas, managing director, Komatsu Forest
“The forestry industry faces many challenges, and all within the industry have a responsibility to support wherever possible.
“A long-term challenge has been recruiting machine operators into the forestry sector, and this needs to be addressed, or the industry will continue to suffer in the coming years.
“However, any recruitment initiative strategy must take a long-term view.
"The challenge once potential new operators are identified is giving them a pathway into the industry. Many harvesting contractors need support from the industry to recruit a new operator, given the high outlay in expensive machinery etc., and the low financial return until the new operator gets up to speed. Patience costs money.
"The forestry sector has become more professional, and I’m sure if all parts of the industry take some responsibility, this and other challenges will be resolved. The forestry industry needs ‘everyone’ to allow long-term success."
Jock McKie, country manager, John Deere
“John Deere has a long history in supporting these schemes in the UK over a long period and very much accepts this as one of its responsibilities towards the wider industry.
"Recruits being able to get exposure to the very latest in machinery is essential to success of the projects and we were delighted to support the venture through multiple simulators and also the supply of a 1510G forwarder.”
Jason Hubert, head of forestry sector development, Scottish Forestry
“Forestry machinery is expensive to buy and run and therefore it is difficult for machinery operators to find the time to attract and train new talent.
“At the same time there is a growing need to find new entrants and quickly get them trained.
“Scottish Forestry is delighted to be working with Confor to bridge that gap.
“These taster courses are a great way for people to try out the machinery.”
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