STUDY REPORT ON TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ......Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator – Study Report 4 approve this training program for its clients. Consequently, the mechanical

STUDY REPORT ON TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR CANADIAN AND EUROPEAN

MECHANICAL HARVESTING EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Steve Vallières Louise Gingras

Kapuskasing, Canada

May 2006

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Collège Boréal sincerely thanks the training institutions which so generously shared information regarding their mechanical harvesting equipment operator training programs. Whether it was through answering our request to complete the survey or through the sharing of documents explaining program planning, this information allowed us to gather key data that helped complete this study.

Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator – Study Report 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 1

PREAMBLE .......................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 5

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................................. 6 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................. 6 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................ 6

RESULTS OF THE STUDY .................................................................................................................. 8

GENERAL FINDINGS ......................................................................................................................... 8 INFORMATION ABOUT MECHANICAL HARVESTING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PROGRAMS .......................... 8 PROGRAM DURATION...................................................................................................................... 10 TUITION FEES............................................................................................................................... 11 CLIENTELE .................................................................................................................................. 12 CURRICULUM RESPONSIBLITY............................................................................................................ 13 MECHANICAL HARVESTING EQUIPMENT............................................................................................... PARTNERSHIP AND LAND ALLOCATION ............................................................................................ 14 FUNDING ...................................................................................................................................... 15 OTHER SERVICES.......................................................................................................................................16

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING.................................................................................................................. 16 CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ..................................................................................................... 16 WORK ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................16

APPENDICES APPENDIX A INFORMATION BY COUNTRY APPENDIX B SURVEY RESULTS BY QUESTION APPENDIX C COVER LETTER AND QUESTIONNAIRE APPENDIX D COLLÈGE BORÉAL'S FORESTRY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PROGRAM


PREAMBLE The logging industry in Ontario, if not all of Canada, is in a state of crisis. In addition

to high energy costs and countervailing duties on timber, there is also a serious

shortage of skilled labour.

In order to counter this shortage, more specifically in the logging operations sector,

Collège Boréal’s Boréal Centre for Ecology and the Forest (CEFNO) has offered

a mechanical harvesting equipment operator training program since 1997. This

short-term training program allows students to acquire basic skills to effectively and

safely operate the following machines: feller-buncher, grapple skidder and delimber.

It is important to point out that Collège Boréal is the only institution in Ontario that

offers this program.

Collège Boréal’s greatest challenge is the high delivery cost of such a program.

Since the training program does not receive government funding, all delivery costs

must be covered by the tuition fees and the sale of harvested timber trees.

Consequently, each person wanting to pursue this career must pay tuition fees of

CAN$18,000: an insurmountable barrier for most young Ontarians. Thus, the

industry is forced to import workers from neighbouring provinces to fill the need for

operators.

Currently, 90% of participants are sponsored by Service Canada due to high training

costs. However, over the last year, Service Canada has decided to no longer


approve this training program for its clients. Consequently, the mechanical

harvesting equipment operator program has been suspended.

The college faces a major challenge: how can it make this training available to more

Ontarians? The purpose of this study is to answer that question. Evaluating, among

other things, funding formulas for such programs used elsewhere in the world and in

Canada will allow Collège Boréal to adopt strategies to successfully meet its

mandate of supporting Ontario’s logging sector. In addition, Ontario mechanical

harvesting equipment operator employers were contacted throughout a second

study, of which the results are presented in Appendix E.


INTRODUCTION Thanks to financial support from Fednor and the ACCC, Collège Boréal was

able to participate in the Team Northern Ontario Nordic Trade Mission in May

2005 in Finland and Sweden. The purpose of the Mission was to help

promote the logging industry and to reinforce its role in Northern Ontario’s

economy. It was during this Mission that contacts were formed with

educational institutions offering mechanical harvesting equipment operator

training programs.

In fall 2005, following the Mission, Collège Boréal contacted different training

institutions in various countries and Canadian provinces to conduct a study

on mechanical harvesting equipment operator programs.

This report presents the results of that study. To facilitate reading, the

information gathered from each country is located in Appendix A, while

Appendix B contains the results of each survey question.


Purpose of the study The study is meant to compare the different mechanical harvesting

equipment operator programs, offered on a global scale, to develop strategies

ensuring that Ontario takes its place as leader in the field.

Objectives of the study The study has five objectives:

1. To learn about the different mechanical harvesting equipment operator

training programs;

2. To identify the clientele of the various programs;

3. To understand the methods of funding of the programs;

4. To develop partnerships with the training institutions;

5. To learn about the working conditions of mechanical harvesting

equipment operators in the various regions.

Methodology of the study Educational institutions offering at least one mechanical harvesting

equipment operator training program were contacted for the study. Following

preliminary research, 13 institutions were identified in Finland, Sweden,

France, the United States, and in different Canadian provinces (Quebec,

Alberta and the Maritimes), as well as Collège Boréal in Ontario. However,

data was rather limited for the program in the United States since it was in its

first year of delivery.

These institutions were contacted by telephone in order to identify a contact

person with relevant knowledge and willing to participate in the study. As an


incentive, Collège Boréal promised to provide participating institutions with

the final report of the study and a sweater.

Information was collected by means of a questionnaire written in French and

English by the Boréal Centre for Ecology and the Forest (CEFNO) team at

Collège Boréal. A cover letter and the questionnaire (Appendix C)

accompanied by a fact sheet on the current program at Collège Boréal

(Appendix D) were either e-mailed or faxed. The surveys were returned by

the same means.


RESULTS OF THE STUDY In all, 13 training institutions were approached in six different countries. Nine

institutions from four countries responded, representing a 70% response rate.

Most of the results are presented by country.

General findings

• There are generally two types of programs per institution:

o a long-term program for younger, less experienced clients

o a short-term program for adult clients that generally have

related experience

• The institutions own the harvesting equipment.

• The programs are financed entirely by the governments.

• All of the schools offer mechanical harvesting equipment operator

training for the cut-to-length system.

It is important to note that NONE of these findings pertain to Ontario and

Alberta.

Information about mechanical harvesting equipment operator programs All of the responding countries including Quebec and the Maritime Provinces

offer only harvester and forwarder operator training programs as part of the

cut-to-length harvesting system.

However, the program in Ontario targets only feller-buncher, grapple skidder,

and delimber operators in the full-tree harvesting system.


Participants in Alberta are not trained on machines, but only receive practical

training on a simulator.

Simulators are also used in all the other schools.


Program duration Table A – Program duration

0

1 000

2 000

3 000

4 000

5 000

Sweden 1 Sweden 2 Finland 1 Finland 2 France 1 France 2 France 3 Canada-Québec

Canada-Ont ar io

Canada-Marit imes

Canada-Albert a

Country

Tota

l Hou

rs

PracticeTheory

Information gathered about program duration and the theory/practice ratio is presented in Table A. The practical component in Alberta takes place on a simulator only. All of the other schools have a practical component that involves operating the machines. In addition, Sweden, Finland, France, Quebec, the Maritimes, and Alberta have an on-the-job training session, but Ontario does not. Some countries have more than one program identified as 1, 2 or 3 in the table.


Tuition fees

Table B – Tuition fees

land 0nce 0nada - Quebec 100nada - Ontario 18 000nada - Maritimes 12 000nada - Alberta 6 000

0

2 000

4 000

6 000

8 000

10 000

12 000

14 000

16 000

18 000

20 000

Sweden Finland France Canada -Quebec

Canada -Ontario

Canada -Maritimes

Canada -Alberta

Country

Tuiti

on fe

es

Table B shows the tuition fees paid by participants registered in a mechanical harvesting equipment operator program in the different countries and Canadian provinces.


Clientele

Table C – Clientele

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Sw eden Finland France Canada-Québec

Canada-Ontario

Canada-Maritimes

Canada-Alberta

Country

UnemployedPeople working in forestryHigh-school graduates

The mechanical harvesting equipment operator training programs generally have three types of clients: young high-school graduates, people working in forestry or in a related field, and the unemployed. Table C shows the distribution of the clientele by group for each country.


Curriculum responsibility Table D – Curriculum responsibility

Country

Curriculum responsibility

Sweden the country’s government the schools

Finland the country’s government

France the country’s government the schools

Canada - Quebec the provincial government

Canada – Ontario the school and the industry through an advisory committee

Canada – Maritimes the provincial government and the industry

Canada – Alberta WOLF an industry-run non-profit organization

Table D shows that the federal or provincial government and the training schools are responsible for the curriculum in most of the countries.


Mechanical Harvesting Equipment The training institutions own between 3 and 10 harvesting equipment each, and

there is a variety of makes and models of harvesters and forwarders. All of the

schools, except for Ontario and Alberta, own the harvesting equipment in their

programs’ practical component. In Ontario, the machines are rented for the duration

of the program.

All of the institutions provide practical training on the machines except for Alberta.

All of the institutions provide training for the cut-to-length system (harvester,

forwarder) except for Ontario which offers training on the feller-buncher, delimber

and skidder. All of the schools offer simulator training.

Partnerships and land allocation All of the respondents confirm that they have partners who contribute to the delivery

of programs. The partners are usually logging companies who provide access to the

forest and buy the harvested trees. Other partners include equipment manufacturers

who offer preferential prices on equipment purchases and simulator rentals. In one

case, a research and development organization helps create the programs and in

another case, an industry-founded organization provides the curriculum, simulators

and work placements.

None of the schools own the land used during the practical training.


Funding Table E - Program funding

Table E shows capital and operational funding sources. Among the answers received, capital and operational funding comes almost entirely from the levels of government responsible for education and training. In all of the cases, income from the sale of harvested timber also contributes to the program profitability.

Country Capital

Operations

Sweden Program 1

Municipal government (district) 100%

Municipal government 70% Income from timber-cutting 30%

Program 2 Federal government 100% Federal government 70% Income from timber-cutting 20% Private industry 10%

Finland Program 1 Information not available Information not available

Program 2 Federal government

Income from timber-cutting Federal government Income from timber-cutting

France Program 1 Regional government 75%

Federal government 20% Self-financing 5%

Regional government 60% Private industry 20% Income from timber-cutting 20%

Program 2 Training Insurance Fund 100%

Regional government 80% Income from timber-cutting 10%

Program 3 Information not available European Social Fund 10%

Canada Quebec Provincial government Provincial government 95%

Income from timber-cutting 5%

Ontario Provincial government Initial investment in 1999

Tuition fees 50% Income from timber-cutting 50%

Maritimes Private industry 60% Federal government 40%

Information not available

Alberta Initial investment 10 years ago

Tuition fees 90% Provincial government 10%


Other services

Customized training All of the respondents offer customized training in various fields, such as forestry,

mechanics, computer science, logging, machine maintenance, health and safety,

simulation, trucking, welding, and mechanical harvesting equipment operation.

The clientele of these customized training programs stems mainly from businesses,

companies and contractors, and a small segment is made up of private landowners.

Conferences and workshops Twenty-five percent (25%) of respondents host conferences and 75% offer

workshops.

The courses in highest demand are in the following fields: computer science, health

and the environment, forest road systems, harvester operation, operating harvesting

equipment, and mechanics.

Work environment We then tried to get a general idea of the workplace and work conditions specific to

each region.

As for mechanical harvesting equipment ownership, a fairly equal amount of logging

companies, contractors and owner-operators own the fleet of machines.

The average hourly rate of a mechanical harvesting equipment operator varies

between CAN$17 and $25, for an average of about CAN$20, and employee

benefits vary between 10% and 70%.


Two shifts are covered by logging operations, and only one respondent indicated

having only one shift.

Although the shifts vary between 8 and 12 hours, nearly 50% of respondents work

12-hour shifts.

There are between 35 and 60 hours in a regular work week, and jobs are

permanent 85% of the time.

Mechanical harvesting equipment operator – Study Report

APPENDIX A

Information by country Sweden The institution contacted in Sweden offers two different training programs: one which lasts 36 months and another which lasts 12 months. Program 1 The first program trains 26 people in three years, lasts 36 months, and consists of 1200 hours of theory, 1300 hours of practice, and one 15-week on-the-job training session. The theory/practice ratio is thus 40 to 60. The country’s government is responsible for the curriculum. The program is comprised of 16 year olds and has a 15% placement rate. Students are responsible for finding jobs. In terms of funding, the program is 100% subsidized (in capital) by the municipal government. As for the operating budget, 70% of the expenses are covered by the municipal government and 30% by income from timber-cutting. Program 2 The second program, of shorter duration, trains 16 students per year and consists of 400 hours of theory, 640 hours of practice, and one 24-week on-the-job training session for a theory-practice ratio of 40 to 60. The institution establishes the curriculum. In the second program, the clientele is broken down as follows: high-school graduates, 70%; owner-operators, 20%; the unemployed, 10%. The placement rate is 40%, and students are responsible for finding jobs. Capital expenditures in the second program are covered entirely by the federal government and the operating expenditures are divided up as follows: federal government, 70%; income from timber-cutting, 20%; private industry, 10%. The two programs do not involve tuition fees. However, each participant must pay for his or her own food, accommodations and teaching aids. The respondent from Sweden confirmed that the institution owns the machines used during the practical in-forest training. The fleet of machines consists of cut-to-length harvesters and forwarders, and one to two machines are replaced each year. The training thus focuses on the cut-to-length system. Simulator training is also part of the programs’ curriculum.


Partners contribute in various ways to the delivery of the training programs. These partners are either logging companies who provide access to the forest and who buy the harvested trees or logging equipment manufacturers who provide mechanical harvesting equipment simulators and discounts on harvesting equipment. Practical training on the machines takes place on private (70%) and public (30%) lands. Introductory courses for John Deere machinery buyers are examples of customized training offered by the institution to leaders and companies. In Sweden, harvesting equipment is owned by contractors and owner-operators. The average hourly rate of an operator is CAN$18 (SEK$120) and employee benefits reach 70%. Logging operations cover two 8-hour shifts five days a week, and jobs are usually permanent. Finland The institution contacted in Finland offers two types of operator training programs. Program 1 The first is an international training program consisting of 380 hours of practical training and 40 hours of theory for a total of 420 hours. The institution tries to have students spend as much time as possible on the machines and provides an equal amount of practice on the harvester and forwarder, but the decision is based on the student’s abilities. Each program accepts 8 to 10 students at a time and is offered twice a year. No tuition fees are required, but administration fees range from CAN$200 to $275 (150 to 200 euros). The student must pay for his or her own accommodations and meals. The curriculum is established by the country’s government and the courses are derived from the 3-year Finnish Professional Forester/Machine Operator Course. Students are responsible for finding jobs, and the program has a 75% placement rate. The program’s clientele is divided as follows: 60% are already involved in forestry, 20% are high-school graduates, and 20% are company employees. Capital and operational funding is provided by the government and income from timber-cutting. Program 2 The second is a short-term customized training program with a negotiable sales price.


The program has duration of 80 hours and consists of a somewhat equal amount of theory and practice. It is offered according to demand, and tuition fees are negotiable with the institution purchasing the training. These short programs are usually delivered to Russian companies who buy machines, and the training is provided by the Russian training centre. Similar courses have also been provided to South-American companies. The responding institution owns a fleet of 30 machines of various sizes and is capable of performing such tasks as thinning, final felling and harvesting windfall. The machines are replaced according to hours of usage. It is sometimes necessary to rent additional machines during periods of high demand. A certificate of qualification exists in Finland for machine operators. However, participants in the international training program (program 1) are assessed on certain parts of the qualification but not on the full certificate. Besides Canada (Ontario), Finland was the only other country which had a certification program. The responding institution owns a demonstration forest where certain tasks are completed, and students also work as professional contractors for logging companies. The institution offers customized training including a Harvester and Computer Optimisation course. The mechanical harvesting equipment in Finland is owned by logging companies, contractors and owner-operators. The average hourly rate is CAN$17 (12 euros). The number of shifts varies according to the season and the contractor, but operations usually cover two 10- to 12-hour shifts for a 40- to 60-hour work week. Jobs are permanent. France Two institutions in France completed our survey and they both offer two different programs. Here are the details by institution and by program. Institution 1 Program 1 The first program has duration of 1040 hours: 720 hours of practice and 320 hours of theory. The program trains five to seven students three times a year. No tuition fees are required, and participants must pay CAN$128 (90 euros) for safety equipment. The curriculum, which is adapted to the local job market, is established by the country’s government and the training centre.


Students are responsible for finding jobs, and the program has a 60% placement rate. Presently, no mandatory certification program exists for operating harvesting equipment, but one is expected to appear shortly since one exists in the public works. The Brevet Professionnel Agricole (agricultural occupational diploma) is required to become a logging contractor. The unemployed account for 78% of the present clientele, while high-school graduates represent 17% and company employees, 4%. Capital funding for this training program comes from the regional government (75%), the national government (20%), and self-financing (5%). The regional government (60%), the private industry (20%), and income from timber-cutting (20%) fund the operations. A capital investment worth 1,492,000 euros over 20 years (CAN$2.1M) was granted for purchasing machinery. The institution owns cut-to-length harvesters and forwarders (five in total), and funding to replace the machines stems from contributions from the region, the state and the training centre. The simulator rental is reviewed yearly. Program 2 The second is a short-term program consisting of 36 hours of theory and 4 hours of practice for a total of 40 hours. Six students can be accepted into the training program which is held four times a year. No tuition fees or other related fees are required. This training is open to logging company employees. The training centre and a local research organization have the joint responsibility of establishing the curriculum. The program is financed entirely by the Training Insurance Fund. The training is essentially theoretical and completed at home through multimedia support; more specifically, a portable computer belonging to the training centre. The practical evaluation takes place on the company’s machine. The institution has partners who contribute in various ways to the delivery of its programs. Here is a description of the contributions from the various stakeholders: the Public Employment Services meet and give guidance to job seekers and assess the candidates before their enrolment in the training program; logging companies provide the training location; equipment providers supply the harvesting equipment, perform maintenance and repairs, and rent simulators; lastly, research organizations participate in popularizing, experience sharing and program development.


Practical training takes place in private forests and “the training centre acts as a service provider for private landowners on behalf of tree buyers.” Institution 2 Program 1 The third program has duration of 48 weeks, of which 250 hours are devoted to theory and 1288 hours to practice. A 630-hour on-the-job training session is also part of the program. Twenty or so students can be trained on a yearly basis, and to do so, permanent courses are given throughout the year. No tuition fees are required. The training centre is responsible for establishing the curriculum. The students and the school jointly search for jobs, and the program has an 80% placement rate. The unemployed make up 80% of the clientele and employees being retrained account for the other 20%. Operating expenses are covered by the regional government (80%), income from timber-cutting (10%), and the European Social Fund (10%). The training centre owns various machines, such as skidders, forwarders, farm tractors, feller-buncher and delimbers, which get replaced every 5 to 8 years. Program 2 The fourth program has a total duration of 1838 hours and consists of 800 hours of theory and 750 hours of practical training which includes a 280-hour on-the-job training session. The program accepts five students at a time and no tuition fees are required. The training centre establishes the curriculum. The unemployed make up 80% of the participants and employees being retrained account for the other 20%. The school and the students jointly search for jobs, and the program has an 80% placement rate. Practical training takes place in both private and public forests, and “the centre acts as an educational service provider for private landowners, towns, lumber merchants, etc. The program charges comparable rates as the rest of the trade.” Both institutions offer customized training to companies, private landowners and lumber merchants. In France, harvesting equipment are owned by contractors or logging companies. Jobs are permanent, operations cover only one shift, and a regular work week consists of 35 to 50 hours. Operators are paid by the job. Canada: Quebec A cut-to-length harvesting training program is available in Quebec. Five different schools have been approved to deliver this training, and two training centres completed our survey. The results follow.


The training has a total duration of 840 hours divided more or less evenly between theory and practice and includes a 120-hour practicum. Each program accepts 10 to 16 participants and is offered two to three times a year. Tuition fees range from CAN$ 50 to $100. The curriculum was developed by the province through the Department of Education. Students and the school (through an employment agency) jointly search for jobs, and the program has a 70% to 90% placement rate. The clientele varies greatly from one region to the next. For example, the main clients of one school are high-school graduates (75%) and the unemployed (25%), while the other school has a diverse clientele: seasonal workers (50%), the unemployed (25%), high-school graduates (10%), owner-operators (10%), and equipment providers (5%). On average, 75% of funding comes from the provincial government and about 25% comes from timber-cutting income. One of the training centres received the following amounts for initial capital investments: CAN$2,200,000 for purchasing machinery and CAN$1,500,000 for purchasing buildings such as garages, workshops, and classrooms. The schools own harvesters and forwarders that are replaced on a rotating basis through funding from the province’s Department of Education. Logging companies contribute to the delivery of the program by providing access to the forest and by buying the harvested trees. The practical component takes place in a public forest. These institutions also offer a variety of customized training: forestry as a whole, mechanics, computer science, saw mill, trucking, welding, and equipment operator development. In Quebec, harvesting equipment is owned by contractors and owner-operators. The average hourly rate of an operator ranges from CAN$20 to $25 and employee benefits account for 12%. Logging operations cover two shifts lasting an average of 12 hours, resulting in a 42- to 52-hour work week. Jobs are permanent. Canada: Ontario Ontario offers a 9-week mechanical harvesting equipment operator training program; 84 hours are spent on theory and simulator training and 243 hours are devoted to practical training in the field. An on-the-job training session is not currently part of the program.


The program is offered twice during the winter and can accommodate up to eight students at a time. Tuition fees amount to CAN$18,000 and its present clientele consists of the unemployed who receive Employment Insurance funding (95%) and high-school graduates (5%). The curriculum is established by the college in consultation with the logging industry. Students search for jobs, and the placement rate is 70%. As previously stated, a mandatory 3-step operator certification program exists in Ontario. The college completes two of the three regulatory certification steps, while employers are responsible for the third step. Program funding is covered by tuition fees and income from timber-cutting. The college does not own mechanical harvesting equipment but rents machines monthly during the in-forest practical component. The institution, however, owns the simulators. The training centre works in partnership with a local logging company which provides the harvest site, builds roads, and shares its expertise and support. An equipment provider offers reasonable machinery rental rates, maintains the equipment and performs major repairs to the machines. Practical training takes place on Crown lands (public lands) managed by a company that holds a Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL). The training centre works with this company under a yearly supply agreement. In Ontario, harvesting equipment is owned by contractors, owner-operators and, in only a few cases, logging companies. The hourly rate of an operator varies between CAN$20 and $25. Logging operations cover two 10- to 12-hour shifts five days a week. In most cases, the total number of working hours in a week can exceed 70 hours during the winter. Jobs are either permanent or seasonal. Canada: Maritimes A 12-week training program is offered to mechanical harvesting equipment operators in the Maritimes. A work placement is also part of the program, the length of which is left to the employer’s discretion. The program accepts 12 to 18 students at a time, is offered on demand and entails the following expenses: tuition fees of CAN$12,000 and accommodation expenses. The government and the industry establish the curriculum. The clientele consists of company employees (50%), the unemployed (30%), high-school graduates (10%), and First Nations (10%). Students are responsible for finding jobs, and the program has a 90% placement rate.


Capital funding is covered in part by the private industry (60%) and the federal government. The respondent was a health and safety association which manages the operator training program and contracts the training out to a school. The machines (harvesters and forwarders) and the simulator therefore belong to the school and not to the association. Several logging companies take part in delivering the training program by providing access to the forest, buying the harvested trees, and offering their expertise and training tools. The practical component takes place in private forests (belonging to the companies) and public forests (Crown lands). In the Maritimes, the machines generally belong to logging companies and owner-operators. The average hourly rate of an operator is CAN$15. Logging operations cover two shifts of 10 hours for a 50-hour work week. Jobs are permanent. Canada: Alberta A 12-week mechanical harvesting equipment operator training program is currently offered in Alberta and is broken down as follows: 267 hours of theory, 50 hours of simulator training, and a 100-hour work placement. What makes the program distinct is the fact that students receive practical training during their work placement and not at school. The training program is offered twice a year and sometimes on contract and accepts a maximum of 12 participants. Tuition fees amount to CAN$6,000 plus $500 for books, materials and supplies. The curriculum is established jointly by the school and a non-profit organization (WOLF – Woodland Operations Learning Foundation), formed by the logging industry and whose goal is to offer standardized training adapted to the needs of forestry workers and to the logging industry. The clientele consists of the unemployed (70%), those injured while at work (WSIB) (20%), and company employees (10%). Job searches are conducted by students and the school. The program has an 80% placement rate. Operating expenses are covered mostly by tuition fees (90%) and the provincial government (10%). The training centre works in collaboration with WOLF which provides the curriculum, a work placement, and access to a simulator and to several contractors willing to offer trainees practical experience on machines.


The practical component takes place in a public forest. Most of the machines belong to owner-operators (95%) and the other 5% belong to a few logging companies.

The average hourly rate is CAN$20 and employee benefits account for 18%. Logging operations cover two 12-hour shifts for a 60-hour work week, sometimes more during the winter. Jobs are seasonal. Funding Information In Sweden, training budgets are managed on the district level; therefore capital and operational funding comes from the district. Although the program is considered as professional training and does not receive the regular annual grants given to high-school and postsecondary programs, the program administrators must submit a three-year plan to receive the necessary funds.

In Finland, most of the funding comes from the federal government and income from timber-cutting.

In France, capital funding comes from several sources, but the majority is provided by the regional and federal governments. Operational funding comes mainly from the regional government and a small portion from the private industry and income from timber-cutting.

In Canada, education is a provincial responsibility. This program is offered in the Maritime Provinces, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. Results are therefore presented by province.

In the Maritimes, the private industry contributes 60% of the training program’s capital funding and the federal government contributes 40%. In Quebec, all capital and operational expenditures are subsidized by the provincial government. The provincial government gives funds to the regional school boards, which are responsible for their schools. Five schools in Quebec have the approval to deliver the program and thus receive the necessary yearly funding for program delivery and capital investments.

In Alberta, an initial investment made over 10 years ago allowed for the purchase of a feller-buncher, delimber and grapple skidder. With no equipment renewal funds, the program’s practical component was limited to the use of a simulator when the equipment became outdated. The program currently does not have a machine operation component.

In Ontario, the provincial government does not contribute to the training program. The program is financed by the CAN$18,000 tuition fees and income from timber-cutting. All of the schools indicated that they would close if they were in Ontario’s shoes! Most of the program’s clients are the unemployed sponsored by Service Canada. However, the college had to suspend the program since Service Canada decided to no longer subsidize clients enrolled in the program.


APPENDIX B

Survey results by question

SECTION 2 – INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LOGGING MACHINE OPERATOR PROGRAM(S)

2.1.1 Program title:

DEP Abattage et façonnage des bois Programme régional de formation – Brevet Professionnel Agricole – Ouvrier hautement qualifié ou entrepreneur de travaux forestiers Formation Ouverte et à Distance « Cap Maintenance » Woodland Equipment Operator Program DEP Abattage et façonnage des bois Upper secondary program in mechanised harvesting Forest Machine Operator Program Brevet Professionnel Agricole Option Travaux Forestiers Spécialité Débardage BP TF Brevet Professionnel Travaux Forestiers International Forest Machine Operator Short Courses according to customer demand Mechanized Forest Operator Opération de machines forestières

2.1.2 Total duration of the program: 2.1.3 Number of hours spent on theory: 2.1.4 Number of hours spent on practical training:

Institution Total hours Weeks Months Theory Practice Sweden #1 #2

- -

36 12

1200 400

1300 640

Finland #1 #2

420

12 or 16

2 to 4

- -

+- 40 +-40

+-380 +-40

France #1 #2 #3 #4

1040 max.

40 1538 1838

- -

48 56

- -

11 13

320 36 250 800

720 4

1288 750

Quebec #1 #2

840 840

22 -

- -

320 420

520 420


Ontario 327 9 - 84 243 Maritimes 12 - 150 280 Alberta - 12 - 267 150

Finland - We try to spend as much time in the forest on machines. Often theory lessons will take place according to demand, e.g. Troubleshooting and repairs. Normally 24 hours (3 days) is spent in the classroom on computer optimisation systems. We try to give students an equal amount of time on both harvester and forwarder. Normally a shift system works so 1 student = 1 machine (1 teacher per chain per shift). 2.1.5 Industry practicum: If yes, how long does it last?

Country Practicum Duration Sweden Yes 15 and 24 weeks Finland No France Yes 630 and 280 hours Quebec Yes 120 hours Ontario No Maritimes Yes Depending on the employer Alberta Yes 100 hours

2.1.6 Number of students trained per program: 2.1.7 Program frequency:

Institution Students per program

Frequency (per year)

Sweden #1 #2

26 16

1 1

Finland #1 #2

8-10

2 times per year According to demand

France #1 #2 #3 #4

5-7 in mechanized felling 3-4 in forwarding 6 5

3 times per year with overlapping placements 4 times per year Permanent courses throughout the year All year

Quebec #1 #2

16 10-12

2 times per year 3 groups per year


Ontario 8 2 times per year Maritimes 12-18 On demand Alberta

12 2 times per year and a few on demand

2.1.8 Tuition fees: 2.1.9 Other expenses associated with the program:

Institution Tuition Other expenses Sweden #1 #2

0 0

Food, accommodations Food, accommodations, and textbooks

Finland #1 #2

0 Negotiable

Accommodations (approx. CAN$28 per week), food and administration fees of CAN$200 to $275 Negotiable

France #1 #2 #3 #4

0 0 0 0

Safety equipment CAN$125 0 no

Quebec 1. 4.

CAN$50 CAN$100

Material $350

Ontario CAN$18,000 Clothing, accommodations Maritimes Approx. CAN$12,000 Room and board Alberta CAN$6000 $500 books, materials and

supplies 2.1.10 The curriculum is established by:

Country Curriculum responsibility Sweden The country’s government

The schools Finland The country’s government France The schools

The country’s government Quebec The province Ontario The schools Maritimes The province and the industry Alberta WOLF an industry-created non-profit organization


Finland #1 courses are selected from 3-year Finnish Professional Forester / Machine Operator Course. Finland #2 these short programmes have normally been for Russian timber companies purchasing machines. Currently these courses are being organised through our Russian training centre. Similar courses have also been carried out for South-American companies (in Spanish). 2.1.11 What is the student placement rate?

Country Placement rate (%) Sweden 15 and 40 Finland 75 France 60 and 80 Quebec 70 and 90 Ontario 70 Maritimes 90 Alberta 80

2.1.12 Who does the job search?

Country Job search Sweden Student Finland Student France Student and school Quebec Student and school Ontario Student Maritimes Student Alberta Student and school

2.1.13 Does a mandatory certification program exist (provincial or national) for logging

machine operators in your region?

Country Mandatory certification program

Sweden no Finland yes France no Quebec no Ontario yes Maritimes no Alberta no

Explain: France - There is presently no mandatory certification to operate harvesting equipment, but there will be soon (it exists in the public works). However, the Brevet Professionnel


Agricole (agricultural occupational diploma) is required to become a logging contractor. Quebec – Lockout training France – Diplomas obtained at our institution are useful for people looking to set up their own business. Only professionals require employees to have good control of machines. Finland - In Finland there is Professional Machine Operator qualification. International students will be assessed on parts of this qualification but not the full certificate.

2.1.14 Please indicate, as a percentage, the background of your clientele.

Country Clients Sweden #1 #2

16-year-olds 100% High-school graduates - 70% Owner-operators - 20% Unemployed – 10%

Finland People already involved in forestry 60% High-school graduates 20% Company employees 20%

France #1 #2 #3

Unemployed 78% High-school graduates 17% Company employees 4% Company employees 100% Unemployed 80% Employees being retrained 20%

Quebec #1 #2

High-school graduates 75% Unemployed 25% Seasonal workers 50% Unemployed 25% High-school graduates 10% Owner-operators 10% Equipment providers 5%

Ontario Unemployed 95% High-school graduates 5%

Maritimes Company employees 50% Unemployed 30% High-school graduates 10% First Nations 10%

Alberta Unemployed 70% WSIB 20% Company employees 10%

2.1.15 Program funding Please indicate, as a percentage, contributions given from various participants for program funding.


Country Capital Operations Sweden 1. Municipal government 100%

2. Federal government 100% 1. Municipal government 70% Income from timber-cutting 30% 2. Federal government 70% Income from timber-cutting 20% Private industry 10%

Finland Federal government and income from timber-cutting

Federal government and income from timber-cutting

France 1. Regional government 75% Federal government 20% Self-financing 5% 2. Training Insurance Fund 100%

1. Regional government 60% Private industry 20% Income from timber-cutting 20% 2. Regional government 80% Income from timber-cutting 10% European Social Fund 10%

Quebec No answer 1. Provincial government 60% Income from timber-cutting 40% 2. Provincial government 95% Income from timber-cutting 5%

Ontario Provincial government Tuition fees Maritimes Private industry 60%

Federal government 40% No answer

Alberta No answer Tuition fees 90% Provincial government 10%

Comments:

France - The FAFSEA (a training fund for company employees) created this training program and funds it in its entirety (development and creation). Alberta - Simulators are rented from WOLF Finland - I am afraid I cannot reveal amounts. The funding is mostly from federal government and cutting incomes

2.1.16 Budget Please provide a budget summary for delivering the program. Results not available


2.1.17 What were your capital investments for delivering the program?

Capital expenditures

France France Alberta Québec

Purchase of machinery

1,492,000 euros over 20 years

$2,200,000

Buildings (garage, workshop, classroom)

Financed by the regional council

$1,500,000

Other, specify: 10,000 euros computer equipment

$20,000 curriculum $350,000 simulators

Total 2.1.18 Can you provide specifics regarding the machines used during practical training?

Type of machine (e.g. harvester, forwarder, etc.)

Manufacturer Model Year Number

Harvester

Quebec TJ TJ TJ TJ

608 608 1270 1270

1996 2000 1998 1997

1 1 1 1

Quadco TJ TJ

Kobelco

445 1270 608 135

2002 1995 2001 1989

1 1 1 1

France John Deere

Sogedep

1070 P335

2000 2000

1 1

Sifor Ponsse

616 Beaver

1998 2005

1 1

Sweden TJ TJ TJ

1270D 1070 870B

2004 2001 1999

1 1 1

Finland Ponsse

TJ

HS16 1270B

1997 1997

Maritimes Ponsse

Hyundai/Patu

2005 2001

Forwarder Quebec Rottne

Groves

1998

1


TJ TJ

Franklin

1210 1210

1999 1994 1995

1 1 1

Rottne TJ TJ TJ

F9T 1010B 1010B

230

2004 1998 1995 1995

1 1 1 2

France Valmet

John Deere Rottne

840 810

6WD

2000 1995 1991

1 1 1

Fabtech 1995 1 Sweden

JD TJ TJ

810D 1110D 810C

2005 2004 2003

1 1 5

Finland TJ

Valmet

1110C 840.2

1999 2004

Maritimes Rottne

2005

Simulator France John Deere

1

Alberta 3D CAT FB

TJ 1270

1 1

Maritimes Ponsse

2005

Skidder France Mercedes

Fortec

900

100T

1991 1999

1 1

Farm tractor with towrope or winch

France Valtra

Renault

140 851

2002 1976

1 1

Farm tractor for forestry work

France Renault

Ergos 464

2005

1


Type of machine

Quebec Quebec France France Alberta Sweden Finland Maritimes

Harvester 4 4 2 2 0 3 yes yes Forwarder 4 5 3 1 0 7 yes yes Simulator yes yes 1 rental ? 2 rentals yes

rental? yes yes

France - The training is essentially theoretical and completed at home through multimedia support; more specifically, a portable computer belonging to the training centre. The practical evaluation takes place on the company’s machine.

Finland - Machines vary from course to course. We have a fleet of over 30 machines so a lot depends on other courses and the type of harvesting. E.g. Thinning, clearfell, windblow 2.1.19 Do you own the machines? Country Own the machines Sweden Yes Finland Yes France Yes Quebec Yes Ontario No Maritimes No but owned by the school Alberta No – no practical training If yes, how do you plan on replacing your equipment? Quebec – through funding from the Department of Education – about $200,000 per year France – The harvesters and forwarders are financed in part by the region, the state and the training centre. Quebec – On a rotating basis with the money set aside for financing. Sweden - We are replacing 1 or 2 machines every year. France – The machines are replaced every 5 to 8 years. Finland - We have expanded our fleet over the last few years. Machines are replaced according to hours or modifications made. E.g. TJ 1270B has had the newer Timbermatic 300 computer system installed to replace aging Timberjack 3000 system. Maritimes – owned by school If no, briefly explain the arrangement made with the owner of the machines used during the practical training. Type of rental Institution Monthly rental Yearly rental France - simulator Other Alberta - simulators are on an hourly or monthly basis depending

on class size. Finland - Occasionally extra machines are hired in according to demand.


Maritimes- We contract delivery of program No rentals Quebec SECTION 3 – PARTNERSHIPS AND LAND ALLOCATION 3.1 Do you have partners that contribute to the delivery of your program(s)? Country Partners Sweden Yes Finland Yes France Yes Quebec Yes Ontario Yes Maritimes Yes Alberta Yes If yes, who are they and what are their role and contribution?

Partner Type of industry Roles Contribution Quebec Coop Haute Laurentide Scierie Claude Forget

Logging Logging

Provides access to the forest. Buys the harvested trees. Provides access to the forest. Buys the harvested trees.

N/A N/A

Kruger Abitibi Consolidated

Logging Logging

Access and buys the trees Logging

France Local Public Employment Services Logging companies Equipment providers

Public Services Logging Builders

Welcome and give guidance to job seekers + instruction The training centre acts as a service provider on behalf of forestry developers Monitor

Assess the candidates before admission into the training program Provide equipment


Research and development organizations

Counsel

technological development Popularization Experience sharing

Maintain – repair Rent simulators Develop programs

Alberta Woodlands Operation Learning Foundation Various contractors in Alberta

Industry based education organization Logging

Curriculum, practicum, simulator access Practicum providers

Sweden Sveaskog Södra John Deere Forestry

Logging Logging Manufacturer

Provides access to the forest. Buys the harvested trees. Provides harvester simulator, discount on machinery

Expertise Teaching aids

Ontario Tembec Spruce Falls

Logging

Provides access to the forest. Buys the harvested trees.


Maritimes JD Irving Bowater Kimberly Clark ???

Logging Logging Logging Logging

Provides access to the forest Buys the harvested trees


3.2 Do you own the land on which the practical training takes place? None of the institutions own the land. If no, in what type of forest does the practical training take place? Country Type of forest Sweden Private (70%) and public (30%) Finland Demonstration forest and company forests France Private and public Quebec Public Ontario Public Maritimes Private and public Alberta No practical training Explain:


France – The training centre acts as a service provider for private landowners on behalf of tree buyers. Alberta – Students spend practical hours with private contractors harvesting for mills on public forest. Sweden – 70% of the forest is private and 30% is public. France – The centre acts as an educational service provider for private landowners, towns, lumber merchants, etc. The program charges comparable rates as the rest of the trade. Finland – We have a 1000-hectare school demonstration forest where some work is carried out. We also work for companies such as UPM, Stora Enso, Metsälitto, operating as a professional contractor would. Maritimes – We get land from Companies and Province Crown. SECTION 4 - OTHER SERVICES We would like to know what other services you offer to your clients in addition to your logging operations program(s). 4.1 Do you offer customized training? All of the schools offer customized training. If yes, what kind of training do you offer?

Quebec – Forestry as a whole, mechanics, computer science France – All practical training related to logging including maintaining machinery. Alberta – Individual course delivery, simulator instruction, safety training, etc. Quebec – Saw mill, trucking, mechanics, welding, equipment operator development Sweden – Introduction course for John Deere machinery buyers. France – Control harvesting equipment Finland – We have offered a 1-week Harvester and Computer Optimisation course. Also short machine operator courses in Russian and Spanish. Maritimes – OHS What type of clientele do you have? Quebec – Diverse France – Companies Alberta – Varies; forest industry and contractor primarily Quebec – Adults and mostly companies Sweden – Contractors and companies France – Same as above – private landowners, towns, lumber merchants, etc. Finland – Contractors and trainers for foreign companies Maritimes – Employers/associations/federal/provincial governments


4.2 Do you offer?

Country Conferences and workshops Sweden No answer Finland No answer France Workshops Quebec Conferences and workshops Ontario Conferences and workshops Maritimes Conferences and workshops Alberta No answer

If yes, specify: 4.3 What courses are the most in demand?

Quebec – Computer science France – Embedded computing Alberta – Safety-environmental Quebec – Forest road systems, felling and processing Sweden – Upper secondary program France – Operating harvesting equipment and mechanics Finland – International Forest Machine Operator Maritimes – OHS/BMP

SECTION 5 - WORKPLACE IN THE REGION The following questions do not pertain to your program(s) but rather to the logging operations in your region. The answers to these questions will help us understand the workplace and work conditions specific to your region. 5.1 Who owns the logging machines used for commercial harvesting? Check all the boxes that apply.

Country Owners of the machines Sweden Contractor and owner-operator Finland Logging company, contractor and owner-operator France Logging company, contractor Quebec Contractor and owner-operator Ontario Companies and owner-operator Maritimes Companies, contractor and owner-operator Alberta Owner-operator 95%

Logging company 5% 5.2 What is the average hourly rate of an operator?


5.3 What employee benefits (expressed as a percentage) are offered to operators? Hourly rate Employee benefits Quebec $22/h 10% Quebec - $20-25/h 15% France – per job (see details below) 49% Alberta – $20/h 18% Sweden – SEK$120 ($18) 70% Finland - 12 euros/hour ($17) ??? Maritimes - $15/h - Ontario – $20-25/h

France – A logging contractor is paid per job by the forestry developer (initial thinning of maritime pine: 6.10 €/stere for felling and 3.05 €/stere for forwarding). The sales figures can be roughly divided as follows: fixed costs 36%, operating costs 30%, personnel costs 22%, travel expenses 3%, and fringe expenses 9%. About 49% of the personnel costs go toward payroll taxes. 5.4 How many shifts are covered by logging operations?

Country Number of shifts Sweden 2 Finland 2 France 1 Quebec 2 Ontario 2 Maritimes 2 Alberta 2

France – Double shifts are very rare in France. Each operator is responsible for a machine and works about 9 hours per day (about 7 hours of operating) 5.5 How many hours are in a regular shift?

Country Number of hours Sweden 8 Finland 10-12 France 9 Quebec 12 Ontario 10-12 Maritimes 10 Alberta 12


5.6 How many working hours are in a regular work week?

Country Hours per week Quebec - 48-52 hours - 42 hours France - 35 hours - 50 hours Alberta - 60 hours, depends on season Sweden - 5 ? Finland - 40-60 hours Ontario - 50-60 hours Maritimes - 50 hours

5.7 Are the jobs:

Country Seasonal or permanent Sweden permanent Finland permanent France permanent Quebec permanent Ontario permanent and seasonal Maritimes permanent Alberta seasonal


APPENDIX C

Cover letter and questionnaire Dear Sir or Madam: The Boréal Centre for Ecology and the Forest (CEFNO), located at Collège Boréal’s Kapuskasing campus in Northern Ontario, Canada, has been offering a logging machine operator training program for over seven years. In order to ensure that our program meets the requirements of the evolving market, we are conducting a survey of training institutions that offer logging machine operator programs. The results of the study will allow us to evaluate our existing programs and to learn from best practices. Please find attached two documents: the first provides information on our current program, and the second is a survey to fill in. Please complete the survey and return it via email or fax by October 28, 2005. Upon receipt of your survey, we will send you a sweater as a token of our appreciation. We will also issue a report of the survey results towards the middle of December 2005. We believe that providing quality training is crucial to producing a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of logging operations in our respective countries. In closing, if you have any documentation you can share with us about your program (i.e. course descriptions) in logging operations or related fields, we would appreciate receiving a copy. Thank you for your attention to our request. Sincerely, Louise T. Gingras, Director Boréal Centre for Ecology and the Forest (CEFNO) Collège Boréal Kapuskasing


APPENDIX C (continued)

Collège Boréal 3 Aurora Avenue Kapuskasing, Ontario CANADA Telephone: (705) 337-6673 Fax: (705) 337-5434

SURVEY OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OFFERING LOGGING MACHINE OPERATOR PROGRAMS __________________________________________________________________________ Collège Boréal is currently contacting training institutions to conduct a survey on logging machine operator programs. The purpose of the survey is to assess the delivery of our training programs. Privacy: Be assured that the respondent’s personal information will remain confidential. SECTION 1 – RESPONDENT’S CONTACT INFORMATION 1.1 Name: 1.2 Title: 1.3 Institution Name: 1.4 Address: 1.5 City: 1.6 Province/State: 1.7 Country: 1.8 Postal/ZIP Code: 1.9 Telephone: 1.10 Fax: 1.11 Email: 1.12 Website: SECTION 2 – INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LOGGING MACHINE OPERATOR PROGRAM(S) Please provide information on each of your logging machine operator programs. 2.1 Program 1 2.1.1 Program title:


2.1.2 Total duration of the program: hours______ weeks______ months______ 2.1.3 Number of hours spent on theory: 2.1.4 Number of hours spent on practical training: 2.1.5 Industry practicum: Yes No If yes, how long does it last? 2.1.6 Number of students trained per program: 2.1.7 Program frequency (e.g. once a month, once a year). Specify: 2.1.8 Tuition: 2.1.9 Other expenses associated with the program (specify): 2.1.10 The curriculum is established by:

� the schools � your country’s government � the province � the region � the regional council � other:

2.1.11 What is the student placement rate? Indicate as a percentage. % 2.1.12 Who does the job search? Student School 2.1.13 Does a mandatory certification program exist (provincial or national) for logging machine operators in your region? Yes No If yes, do you offer the certification? Yes No Explain: 2.1.14 Please indicate, as a percentage, the background of your clientele.

Client Percentage High-school graduates Owners/Operators Equipment providers Company employees Unemployed Other, specify:


2.1.15 Program funding Please indicate, as a percentage, contributions given from various participants for program funding.

Source of funding Capital (%) Operations (%) Federal government Provincial government Regional government Municipal government Private industry Income from timber-cutting Tuition Other, specify: Comments: 2.1.16 Budget Please provide a budget summary for delivering the program.

Revenues Amount Tuition Timber harvesting Government grants Donations Other, specify: Total

Operating expenses Wages Machinery rentals Consumables (gas, oil) Maintenance and repairs Transportation Other, specify: Total Profit (loss)


2.1.17 What were your capital investments for delivering the program?

Capital expenditures Amount Purchase of machinery Buildings (garage, workshop, class room) Other, specify: Total 2.1.18 Can you provide specifics regarding the machines used during practical training?

Type of machine (e.g. harvester, forwarder, etc.)

Manufacturer Model Year Number

2.1.19 Do you own the machines? Yes No If yes, how do you plan on replacing your equipment? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If no, briefly explain the arrangement made with the owner of the machines used during the practical training.

Monthly rental

Yearly rental

Other, specify:


2.2 Program 2 Please complete this section if you offer a second type of program. 2.3 Program 3 Please complete this section if you offer a third type of program. SECTION 3 – PARTNERSHIPS AND LAND ALLOCATION 3.1 Do you have partners that contribute to the delivery of your program(s)?

Yes No If yes, who are they and what are their role and contribution?

Partner Type of industry Roles Contribution Company name Logging Provides access to

the forest. Buys the harvested trees.


3.2 Do you own the land on which the practical training takes place? Yes No If no, in what type of forest does the practical training take place?

Private forest Public forest Other Explain:

__________________________________________________________________________


SECTION 4 - OTHER SERVICES We would like to know what other services you offer to your clients in addition to your logging operations program(s). 4.1 Do you offer customized training? Yes No If yes, what kind of training do you offer? What type of clientele do you have (e.g. adults, companies)? Specify: 4.2 Do you offer: conferences workshops If yes, specify: 4.3 What courses are the most in demand? SECTION 5 - WORKPLACE IN THE REGION The following questions do not pertain to your program(s) but rather to the logging operations in your region. The answers to these questions will help us understand the workplace and work conditions specific to your region. 5.1 Who owns the logging machines used for commercial harvesting? Check all the boxes that apply.

Logging company Entrepreneur Owner-operator Equipment provider Other, specify:

5.2 What is the average hourly rate of an operator? (in your country’s currency) 5.3 What employee benefits (expressed as a percentage) are offered to operators? % 5.4 How many shifts are covered by logging operations? 5.5 How many hours are in a regular shift? hours 5.6 How many working hours are in a regular work week? 5.7 Are the jobs: seasonal permanent


Please fill in your answers directly on this document and email it to [email protected], or fax it to 705-337-5434 to the attention of Steve Vallières. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Vallières at 1-800-361-6673, extension 5426. Collège Boréal thanks you for taking the time to fill out the survey. Your answers are essential for improving our regional training.


APPENDIX D

FORESTRY EQUIPMENT OPERATION PROGRAM A. PROGRAM CONTENT

COURSE THEORY PRACTICAL TOTAL

Introduction to the Forest Industry

18 12 30

Communication in the Forest Environment

10 28 38

Forestry Equipment Operating Techniques

20 30 50

Health and Safety and Protection of the Environment

22 12 34

Preventive Maintenance and Repairs

16 38 54

Grapple Skidder Operation 45 45 Elective Feller Buncher Operation OR 80 80 Delimber Operation 80 80 B. COURSE DESCRIPTION Introduction to the Forest Industry This course teaches the learner the importance of the forest industry in our region, in the province and in Canada. It will allow the learner to differentiate the types of forests and the products derived from each. It will also help him/her understand the economical, political, social and environmental impact of the forest industry, as well as the importance of forest management. Further more, it will enable the learner to recognize the role of the forestry equipment operator in the context of the forest industry. � The potential of Ontario’s forests � Ontario’s forest regions � Tree species � Major forest productions � Forestry equipment operator trade � Influence of the forest on the environment � Forest certification � Sylvicultural systems and harvesting methods � Disturbance of the forest environment � Sylviculture � Harvester simulator training


Communication in the Forest Environment This course demonstrates to the learner the importance of communication in a forest environment. Through this course the learner will develop communication skills that will help him pass on clear, detailed and accurate messages. This course will give the learner the opportunity to use the different ways of communicating (radio communication, written reports and others) on a harvesting site.

� Interpersonal communication � Conflict resolution in the forest environment � Interpersonal conflict resolution � Means of communication Forestry Equipment Operating Techniques This course presents to the learner a description of the machines (feller buncher, grapple skidder, delimber) their attachments, the joysticks, indicators and instruments. This course shows the learner the operating techniques to be used on these forestry equipment as well as the safety measures to be taken. The importance of work planning and its impact on productivity and profitability of these machines. Finally, this course will show the learners the different elements that may be found on a harvest block map and the way to use it when planning the work of a forestry equipment operator. � Work planning � Harvesting plan � Maps and photos � Types of terrain � Fibre quality � Productivity and profitability of harvesting operations � Dayshift and nightshift � Feller buncher, grapple skidder and delimber operating techniques Health and Safety and Protection of the Environment This course teaches the learner the safety measures and the workplace accident prevention procedures to follow on a harvesting site. This course allows the learner to familiarize himself/herself with the safety devices found on forestry equipment in order to develop safe working practices. Further more, the course will teach the learner the importance of the environmental protection of the forest and its surroundings.

� Occupational health and safety � Workplace accidents in the forest industry � Safe work methods � Protection of the environment � Harvesting practices on the environment � Chainsaw operation � WHMIS � Mechanized harvesting common core � Lockout of equipment


Preventive Maintenance and Repairs The course Preventive Maintenance and Repairs will enable the learner to understand and apply properly the inspection and maintenance practices on the forestry equipment (feller buncher, skidder, delimber). With this course, the learner will be able to troubleshoot signs of malfunctions on the forestry equipment and to perform minor repairs. In fact the learner will have to complete the inspection, the verification, and the maintenance and minor repairs on the forestry equipment. These working principles will be performed under the leader’s supervision. � Diesel engine � Fuel system � Air intake and exhaust systems � Cooling system � Electrical system � Hydraulic system � Transmissions, differentials, braking systems and planetaries � General maintenance � Circle check � Troubleshooting � Technical and parts manuals Feller Buncher Operation (hands-on) In this course, the learner will learn how to operate safely and efficiently the feller buncher. The learner is taught how to maximize utilization of the machine, carry out maintenance and minor repairs, ensure product quality and utilization. Delimber Operation (hands-on) In this course, the learner will learn how to operate safely and efficiently the delimber. The learner is taught how to maximize utilization of the machine, carry out maintenance and minor repairs, ensure product quality and utilization. Grapple Skidder Operation (hands-on) In this course, the learner will learn how to operate safely and efficiently the grapple skidder. The learner is taught how to maximize utilization of the machine, carry out maintenance and minor repairs, ensure product quality and utilization. C. OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM Duration: 9 weeks Cost: 18 000 $ CAN Machines used for the practical training Feller Buncher 653G John Deere with Waratah felling head Grapple Skidder 648 G III John Deere Delimber 200 John Deere with Denharco 3500

Documents

STUDY REPORT ON TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ......Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator – Study Report 4 approve this training program for its clients. Consequently, the mechanical