This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the job of people who provide support to forest operations in a variety of forestry contexts. It is also suitable for learners involved in school-based VET traineeships and other VET in school programs.
Individuals with this qualification apply specialised skills and knowledge relevant to entry-level roles in forest operations. This includes a basic understanding of the industry andthe risks involved in forest operations. They are also expected to conduct basic forest operations.
At this level, workers complete tasks under close supervision involving known routines and procedures but variable work tasks in collaboration with others.
This qualification enables specialisations in:
- Forest Nursery Production,
- Silviculture, or
- Timber Harvesting.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do a traineeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
1 year - Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry | Core |
| Develop knowledge of the forest and wood products industry | Core |
| Follow environmental protection procedures in forest and wood products operations | Core |
| Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations | Core |
| Work effectively in the forest and wood products industry | Core |
| Access and provide timber and wood product information | Elective |
| Access, capture and communicate forestry field data using mobile devices | Elective |
| Apply chemicals under supervision | Elective |
| Apply communication protocols during post-bushfire vegetation clearing and clean-up operations | Elective |
| Apply competitive systems and practices | Elective |
| Apply cultural heritage protection requirements in forest operations | Elective |
| Apply tree seed treatment | Elective |
| Assist with prescribed burning | Elective |
| Carry out manual handling tasks | Elective |
| Collect forest data or samples for assessment and analysis | Elective |
| Collect tree seeds | Elective |
| Comply with soil and water protection | Elective |
| Conduct erosion and sediment control activities | Elective |
| Contribute to the health and safety of self and others | Elective |
| Cut, sort and set cuttings | Elective |
| Detect fire in a native forest or plantation | Elective |
| Develop and apply thinking and problem solving skills | Elective |
| Fell trees manually (basic) | Elective |
| Follow fire prevention procedures | Elective |
| Follow quality and product care procedures in forest and wood products operations | Elective |
| Follow quality procedures in forest nursery production | Elective |
| Follow site biosecurity procedures | Elective |
| Grade and mark logs | Elective |
| Hook up felled trees (choker) | Elective |
| Install, maintain and repair farm fencing | Elective |
| Interact effectively with others at work | Elective |
| Licence to operate a forklift truck | Elective |
| Maintain chainsaws | Elective |
| Maintain cultural sites | Elective |
| Measure trees | Elective |
| Navigate in forest areas | Elective |
| Operate a forest machine simulator in a virtual environment | Elective |
| Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher | Elective |
| Operate and maintain stump grinding machines | Elective |
| Operate brush cutter | Elective |
| Operate communications systems and equipment | Elective |
| Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads | Elective |
| Operate mobile hydraulic log splitter | Elective |
| Operate remotely piloted aircraft in excluded category sub-2 kg operations | Elective |
| Operate side by side utility vehicles | Elective |
| Operate specialised load shifting equipment | Elective |
| Operate tractors | Elective |
| Perform landing duties (chaser) | Elective |
| Plan and apply time management | Elective |
| Plant trees by hand | Elective |
| Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | Elective |
| Prepare, maintain and test response equipment | Elective |
| Prevent injury | Elective |
| Prick out and transplant tree seedlings | Elective |
| Protect and preserve incident scene | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Prune trees | Elective |
| Read and interpret digital maps and forest operation plans | Elective |
| Read and respond to simple workplace information | Elective |
| Recover four wheel drive vehicle | Elective |
| Respond to wildfire | Elective |
| Segregate and sort logs | Elective |
| Select and mark trees for tending operations | Elective |
| Shift materials safely using manual handling methods | Elective |
| Sustain process improvements | Elective |
| Transport and store chemicals | Elective |
| Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders | Elective |
| Treat weeds | Elective |
| Trim and cut felled trees | Elective |
| Trim and cut harvested trees | Elective |
| Trim trees using a pole saw | Elective |
| Use chainsaw within a tree | Elective |
| Work in a team | Elective |
| Work safely around aircraft | Elective |
| Write simple workplace information | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate II in Forest Operations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Nurseryperson
ANZSCO 362411
Nurserypersons propagate and cultivate trees, shrubs, and ornamental and flowering plants in plant nurseries.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Logging Plant Operator
ANZSCO 721112
Logging Plant Operators operate plants to fell trees and drag, transport and load logs onto trucks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Forestry Worker
ANZSCO 841311
Forestry Workers assist with cultivating, maintaining and protecting forests.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Logging Assistant
ANZSCO 841312
Logging Assistants assist with logging, felling and sawing of trees in forests.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Tree Faller
ANZSCO 841313
Tree Fallers fell trees in forests, and trim and saw them into logs.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate II in Forest Operations
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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NTHA Training (RTO code 5343)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Timber Training Creswick Ltd (RTO code 4168)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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HS Business School (RTO code 32493)
Contact this provider
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Intrain National Training Academy (RTO code 91759)
Contact this provider
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LITA Training (RTO code 0577)
Contact this provider
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National Workplace Services Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 22148)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.