INTRODUCTION
Forestry and timber training in the district has a multi-pronged approach, including the Trades Centre, Forestry Machine Simulators and the Generation Program.
In 2020, the opportunity arose to set up local forestry training based on the highly successful Generation Program model developed by the Eastland Wood Council. This project was led by South Waikato District Council and the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA).
Alongside others, SWIFT assisted in funding the development of a Business Case for the program as a precursor to applying for operational funding grants and encouraged the establishment of the Central North Island Wood Council to lead the program’s delivery.
2021 SUMMARY
With funding from SWIFT, Ministry for Social Development (MSD), Te Uru Raukau (TUR), FICA and industry leaders, the Generation Program is now underway in Tokoroa under the leadership of the newly formed CNIWC.
Like so many others in 2021, the Covid Pandemic saw challenges in delivering the first courses, CNIWC’s Damita Mita pushed forward achieving the delivery of the first cohort in July 2021.
The conclusion of the first 12 week program saw a great result of eight South Waikato youth gaining employment through Knight Logging Ltd, FAST Harvesting, Brown Logging and Forest Protech Services
The Generation Programs provides the opportunity for the students to achieve NZ Certificate in Forest Industry Foundations Skills – Level 2 and gain employment upon completion of the program. The program also provides work ready skills such as physical fitness, health and nutrition, understanding an employment agreements, CV writing, first aid and health and safety and communication skills.
SWIFT are proud to be supporting this program and looking forward to continued results for the next two cohorts during 2022.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, enrolling or becoming a future funder, please contact Damita Mita damita@cniwc.co.nz
