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National code: FWP30122

Certificate III in Forest Operations

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Overview About this course

Plan, plant and manage trees and forests. Learn health, safety and environmental protection practices and procedures. Gain fundamental skills in conserving forest resources to meet the needs of the community and begin a fulfilling career in forestry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Work safely and apply environmentally sustainable practices

  • Communicate and interact clearly with others in the forest and wood products industry

  • Use highly specialised machinery in forestry operations

  • Work in a range of forest environments

  • Construct fences and use chemicals in forestry

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at a Certificate III level

  • A strong understanding of sustainable forestry practices

  • In-depth knowledge of forestry operations and safety protocols

  • Specialist skills to operate equipment used in forestry

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • Access to a forestry industry workplace via employment or work experience for practical skills assessments, as evidenced by a signed log book or other documentation such as video demonstrations

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Employment in the forestry industry

  • A passion for working in the forestry industry

  • A desire to work primarily outdoors

  • Adequate fitness and mobility to complete manual tasks

  • Good organisational skills and the ability to adjust to rapid change

  • Drivers license to get to worksites

  • Sturdy work boots and other personal protective clothing. You will receive a list of materials from your teacher prior to the start of class

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: forestry worker or forester, tree planter, silviculturist, mobile equipment operator, harvesting technician and harvesting and haulage operator.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Forest Operations does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 2 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Forest Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 13 units of competency, including 2 core and 11 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Work effectively in the forest and wood products industry FWPCOR2206

  • Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry FWPCOR2208

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.