Machine Operator Training

1
Machine Operator Training
2
Partners

• UKFPA and sponsoring companies
• Barony College
• John Deere
• Ponsse UK
• Komatsu Forest Ltd (Valmet)
• F.C. Machine Engineering Services
• Scottish Enterprise
• Rural Development Initiatives
• Contractors

3
Background

• Shortage of skilled operators
• Ageing workforce
• Scarcity of new (young) entrants
• Need to increase status of machine operators
• High training costs and possible lack of
  retention
• Paucity of formal training opportunities
• Perceived lack of interest from responsible
  bodies i.e. Lantra
• Increased harvest and demand for round timber

4
Initiative

• UKFPA Harvesting Contracting Committee Action
  required.
• Discussions with Barony College, John Deere and
  Scottish Enterprise on best way forward
• Make use of available resources during summer
  recess
• Eight week course devised

5
Requirements Format

• Hands on real life training situation with
  modern equipment
• Good candidate selection
• Include risk assessment, safety, pollution
  control and IT
• Basic hydraulics and maintenance
• Understanding of products and specifications
• Basics of harvesting site layout

6
Required outcomes

• Devise a trainability assessment for future
  candidates
• FMOC achieved in at least one machine for all
  candidates
• All candidates able to work to at least 50
  capacity after course
• Have sufficient data and feedback to make
  informed changes to format

7
Where next?

• Feedback from sponsoring contractors
• Feedback from trainers and college
• Devise a template course capable of duplication
  to meet needs of industry
• Achieve recognition for course within industry
• Seek machinery commitments
• Regular funding x number of courses
• Keep initiative and monitoring within the industry