Forestry Production Foreman

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Forestry Production Foreman. A Forestry Production Foreman plans, organises, leads, controls, coordinates, and reviews a range of weekly/monthly forestry operations. He or she also interprets at a tactical level forestry team to set operational plans, standards, and procedures.

This part-qualification will meet the need of an existing gap in the industry of qualified Forestry Production Foremen. Currently, supervisors are trained in the industry and courses such as the Supervisory Development Programme are offered to them. The Forestry industry is labour-intensive and has many forestry supervisors and foremen that do not have formal training making the need for this qualification important. The industry is also changing and shrinking rapidly due to modernisation and mechanisation. It requires managing a high-risk environment and as a result skilled forestry supervisors and foremen are required. The outsourcing of production processes and activities to large and small contractors leads to diverse employment conditions which require some standardisation. The skill levels of people living in rural areas will be uplifted through education and training within the forestry industry. Current employees in forestry will be directly targeted and benefit from this qualification. Given that forestry is very rural, this qualification presents an opportunity for rural development individuals that live in these rural areas will be educated, equipping them with knowledge and skills. Previously disadvantaged individuals and women should benefit from this qualification. Learners who complete this part qualification will have an increased skill level of overseeing production resulting in competent supervision in the sector, similarly learners who complete the parent qualification will have an increased skill level of overseeing operations. This qualification relates to forestry supervisors and foremen currently employed in the industry. This should increase productivity, reduce risks and maintain health and safety. There will be highly skilled and competent foremen that will have a positive effect on production, health and safety. Risks will reduce as there will be more competent foremen and this will increase the forestry foremen skills level in the industry. This part-qualification will contribute to the strategies on job creation and rural development making it more lucrative for people to remain in rural areas. The creation of this qualification will result in formal recognition for the learner through certification. This shall provide for potential professional development and further learning into the Forestry Production and Operations qualification, the currently developed Forestry Technician qualification and the Diploma in Forestry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: An Occupational Certificate: Production or Operations Supervisor (Forestry): (Forestry Production Supervisor), NQF Level 3.

• Compile a detailed production plan for a forestry operation and worksite such as a compartment, nursery or depot.
• Organise and coordinate the activities of forestry teams.
• Apply system balancing principles referring to current, continuous and future needs to achieve the execution of the production plan.
• Implement and maintain a monitoring system to achieve safety, health, environment, risk and quality forestry performance and operational standards.
• Inspect work sites, forestry activities and machines for compliance, safety, health, environment, risk and quality (SHERQ).
• Report to management on the achievement of forestry standards.
• Communicate a detailed production plan to subordinates ensuring clarity of understanding.