Production or Operations Supervisor (Forestry): (Forestry Production Supervisor)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Production Supervisor (Forestry). A Production Supervisor (Forestry) Forestry Supervisors directly supervise and coordinate forestry tasks/activities/work/operations and resources of a team of Forestry workers at an operational level to achieve daily production targets according to set operational standards and procedures (safety, quality and output targets). A qualified learner will be able to: • Implement by organising and directing employees, the daily production plan, and allocating tasks and resources. • Motivate and monitor by applying short interval control, individual or/and team performance according to pre-determined criteria to maintain the quality and quantity of production whilst complying to safe work and environmentally responsible practices. • Assess the output and pace of work of employees to ensure best use of time and resources. • Communicate on a regular basis with employees both individually and in meetings and report daily production and resource utilisation data and information to Management/Foreman.

The forest resources of South Africa cover over 40 million ha of the land surface area of the country. The forest sector employs around 165 900 workers and provides about 62 700 direct jobs and 30 000 indirect jobs. Forestry provides livelihood support to 652 000 people of the rural population of the country. The pulp and paper industry provides about 13 200 direct and 11 000 indirect employment opportunities. Some 20 000 workers are employed in sawmilling, and 6 000 in timber board production and 2 200 in the mining timber industries, while a further 11 000 workers are employed in miscellaneous jobs in forestry. In terms of land use, the afforested area is about 1,27 million ha or about 1% of the total South African land area of 122,3 million ha. The forest sector (forestry and forest products) contributes about 1% to the GDP. In terms of regional GDP, forestry in KwaZulu-Natal contributes 4,4%; in Mpumalanga 3,7%; in the Eastern Cape 0,6%; and in Limpopo about 0,6%. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) allocated an amount of R1,2 billion from the department's budget to forestry and natural resources management. The DAFF contributes to eradicating poverty through the Forestry Livelihoods Programme. Firewood, construction poles, medicinal plants and edible fruits are all critical to the livelihoods of the rural poor. The DAFF develops human resources through forestry sector skills development initiatives and promotes employment through commercial forestry activities such as forestation and downstream activities. The integration of forestry programmes into provincial and municipal development plans will assist the Plant a Million Trees Campaign. The department is pursuing a target of 10 000 ha of nett new afforestation a year. Afforestation is taking place in rural areas where there are few other viable opportunities for job creation and economic activity. The development of these additional raw material resources will attract greater processing capacity in the form of sawmills, board mills, chipping plants and treatment plants, which will lead to broad economic growth. An additional R500 million a year could be generated from such plantations. The Forestry Industry is labour intensive and has a large number of illiterate employees. It requires the use of dangerous equipment and has many occupations that are seen as unsafe. The industry is also changing rapidly due to modernisation and mechanisation. The outsourcing of production processes and activities to large and small contractors leads to diverse employment conditions which require some standardisation. The above conditions increase the need for skilled workers and make the need for supervisors, upskilled and trained in this qualification, important. The industry will have quality management and supervision which will lead to improved productivity, health and safety in the workplace. Risks will reduce as there will be more competent supervisors. There are 63000 (2011) employees currently directly employed in forestry of which at least 2% (foreman) and 10% (supervisor) will be directly targeted for enrolling in this qualification over the long term. A learning programme (not accredited) conducted by the industry association in various areas of the country approximately 160 learners enrolled for the course showing interest and a need in similar training. Job creation and rural development, and uplifting employees through education and training within the industry are allowing it to become more lucrative for people to remain in rural areas. The International Forestry (UN) congress to be hosted in South Africa and coordinated locally by DAFF, will increase competitiveness internationally and reduce imports. Land in the Eastern Cape has also been identified for new plantations to increase timber production. Previously there were only two registered qualifications, at NQF level 1 and 4, creating a skills gap which needs to be bridged. This newly developed qualification will create an opportunity for the learner to progress formally through level 3 to 4. This will enable the learner to be a more balanced employee which can be better employable in the workplace, equipping the learner with soft skills. The position of the supervisor is identified as a scarce skill in the forestry industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (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 or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.

• Conduct a daily planning activity for a forestry team for a forestry activity.
• Conduct an on-site risk assessment of a forestry compartment or location and mitigate risk to establish safe working conditions.
• Deliver consistent quality service through monitoring and controlling the activities of the forestry work team against set targets.
• Monitor and enhance team performance and achieve maximum productivity in the application of forestry activities.
• Conduct a machine and equipment inspection and complete a checklist showing all defects and the general workability of the machine.
• Enforce compliance with general accepted forestry standards and company policies through continuous and consistent discipline.
• Conduct a disciplinary procedure to address transgression in the Forestry workplace.
• Identify environmental sensitive areas in a forestry activity and identify appropriate mitigating actions.
• Communicate workplace information to team members and management through recording, reporting, giving instructions and applying social awareness.
• Establish and lead a motivated team in a forestry compartment.