Course Overview
Course Dates
Trim and Cut Felled Trees is an entry-level course designed to build essential skills in safely trimming branches and cutting sections from felled trees using a chainsaw.
Delivered over 2.5 days at TAFE Gippsland's Forestec campus, it provides access to a forest environment, including provision to use our chainsaws, fuel, maintenance and sharpening equipment, and relevant PPE. It is Ideal for those starting in forestry, arboriculture, land management, or related fields. Key topics cover job preparation, risk assessment, visual tree evaluation, efficient cutting techniques (like bridging, swinging, boring and wedge cuts), and basic chainsaw maintenance. With no prerequisites, the course emphasises workplace safety, environmental protection, and practical hands-on training in diverse settings such as forests, parks, and urban areas.
The course features a low student to trainer ratio, with a maximum of 6 students/workers to every 1 trainer. TAFE Gippsland trainers and assessors are highly skilled operators who have worked in industry for many years, providing you with the skills and knowledge required by industry.
Students will be required to provide their own safety footwear, Leather boot, steel cap, meeting Australian Standards.
This course provides essential skills for safely trimming and cutting felled trees with a chainsaw in the forestry industry.
It is designed for students/workers in fields such as arboriculture, forestry operations, agriculture, conservation and land management, local government, emergency services, or other government agencies.
Students/Workers will focus on practical methods for managing felled trees in various environments, including bushland, plantations, forests, parklands, roadways, and urban areas.
Note: This unit does not apply to large-scale commercial harvesting, except for minor forest produce.
Note: This course does not cover tree falling.
Qualifications and Recognition
Upon completion of this course, students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment.Career Opportunities
Job opportunities are commonly found in urban, rural, and forested areas like regional parks, plantations, and bushland, with roles emphasising safety, environmental protection, and practical tree maintenance.
Employment opportunities may include, but not limited to the following areas:
- Arboriculture
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Conservation and land management
- Local Government (Councils)
- Emergency Services or Response Personnel (CFA, SES)
- Powerline Vegetation Worker
- other government agency operations.
Opportunities for Further Study
- FWP20122 Certificate II in Forest Operations
- AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
- AHC3152 Certificate III in On Country Management
- PUA20622 Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency
- Operations)
Course Dates
Further Information
Course and Entry Requirements
Mandatory entry requirements:
There are no prerequisite units, or licensing, legislative, or certification requirements for this unit of competency.
This course involves operating a chainsaw (typically weighing 4-7 kg), trimming branches, cutting tree sections, moving or stabilising felled trees, clearing debris, and working in varied outdoor environments and bush settings, which can require bending, lifting, standing for extended periods, and manual dexterity. Students/workers must have the physical capacity to complete these practical components of the course.
Students must be able to speak clear English, and be able to demonstrate basic reading and writing skills to recognise workplace health and safety signs and complete basic prestart checklists or reports if required.
Traineeships/Pre Apprenticeships:
Parental consent is required for students aged between 16 and 18 years of age. Students must have the physical capability to handle the tool safely (e.g., strength for a 4-7kg chainsaw, dexterity), as assessed by the trainer and assessor. The student must also have been deemed eligible to undertake the course, perform activities under strict supervision and comply with all PPE requirement's at all times.
Trainers/assessors may advise against participation if you have conditions affecting mobility, strength, or endurance.
Pre-requisites
Not Applicable
Online requirement
Not Applicable
Fees
Course Cost
$1100.00Materials Fees
Not Applicable
Specialist Course Information
N/A
Placement
Not ApplicablePathway to Industry Licence
Material and Equipment supplied by students
Not Applicable
Student Services
Support is available for students at every stage of the study journey. Please speak to any of our friendly reception or teaching staff.Recognition of Prior Learning
Many TAFE Gippsland courses offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Click to learn more about RPL and how it can benefit you.Course Structure
Course Modules
FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees
Assessment
Assessment is competency based. A range of assessment methods will be used, including practical tasks, practical experience, practical demonstrations and written/practical assessments