Machine Operator Training

Partners  UKFPA and sponsoring companies  Barony College  John Deere  Ponsse UK  Komatsu Forest Ltd (Valmet)  F.C. Machine Engineering Services  Scottish Enterprise  Rural Development Initiatives  Contractors

Background  Shortage of skilled operators  Ageing workforce  Scarcity of new (young) entrants  Need to increase “status” of machine operators  High training costs and possible lack of retention  Paucity of formal training opportunities  Perceived lack of interest from responsible bodies i.e. Lantra  Increased harvest and demand for round timber

Initiative  UKFPA Harvesting & Contracting Committee – Action required.  Discussions with Barony College, John Deere and Scottish Enterprise on best way forward  Make use of available resources during summer recess  Eight week course devised

Requirements & Format  Hands on “real life” training situation with modern equipment  Good candidate selection  Include: risk assessment, safety, pollution control and IT  Basic hydraulics and maintenance  Understanding of products and specifications  Basics of harvesting site layout

Required outcomes  Devise a “trainability” assessment for future candidates  FMOC achieved in at least one machine for all candidates  All candidates able to work to at least 50% capacity after course  Have sufficient data and feedback to make informed changes to format

Where next?  Feedback from sponsoring contractors  Feedback from trainers and college  Devise a template course capable of duplication to meet needs of industry  Achieve recognition for course within industry  Seek machinery commitments  Regular funding “x” number of courses  Keep initiative and monitoring within the industry