The harvesting programmes provide nationally recognised qualifications that combine workplace-based learning with practical knowledge of forestry operations. They equip people to work in production roles in forest harvesting, carrying out tasks such as tree felling, operating harvesting plant and equipment, planning and monitoring operations, and maintaining machinery. Training includes safety, risk and emergency management, technical operation of equipment, and understanding environmental and crew responsibilities.The Level 4 forest harvesting operations programme is an apprenticeship.
Benefits of the programme
Programmes available
Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Forest Industry Foundation Skills
Level 4 New Zealand Apprenticeship in Forest Harvesting Operations
Harvesting contractors and their workers fell the mature trees, extract them to a processing area and cut the trees into log lengths ready to be shipped to market. They will have a good understanding of health and safety, environmental protection requirements and the forestry supply chain. Workers will have good mechanical skills and be able to operate equipment from chainsaws through to state of the art advanced mechanised felling and processing machines.
Often a ten-hour working day; sometimes weekend work is required. There are a mix of jobs to do from preparing the ground, planting, pruning, measuring tree growth, selecting and cutting down trees through to using harvesting machinery, operating loaders, cutting and grading logs and maintaining equipment.
You'll need to be safety conscious, practical and work well in teams.


These can be useful from school:
Good NCEA Level 1 passes in:
Traineeship or apprenticeship
Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.
We partner with your industry associations (Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA), NZ Forest Owners Association (FOA), NZ Farm Forestry Association (FFA)) and members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry and identifying potential trainees.
We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like local graduations, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.
When your worker enrols as an apprentice or learner, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the forestry industry and the skills learners and businesses need

Forestry is an industry that offers great career opportunities. Find the one that fits you here.
Forestry harvesting involves a number of technical disciplines. Each discipline has a unique qualification and set of unit standards designed to develop competence and promote best practice on site.
Trainees may complete these qualifications individually and progress from one level to the next. Programme length varies but qualifications typically take from 9-18 months to complete.
Apprenticeships are also available in Harvesting. An apprenticeship programme will be built to reflect the various roles the apprentice has within the crew. The core learning from Forest Harvesting Operations (levels 3 and 4) are combined along with elective sets that allow for a range of units to be included. Apprentices have a longer term commitment to the industry and receive a greater level of support from Competenz.
Your Competenz account manager can discuss the best apprenticeship or training option for your business and your trainee.
The qualifications available are listed below.