Forest Operators Licence (FOL)

Course Dates

Kickstart your career in Australia's dynamic forestry and wood products industry with this vital introductory short course. Designed for new entrants and those seeking to build a strong foundation, this training delivers two nationally recognised units of competency from the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package:

• FWPCOR2209 Follow environmental protection procedures in forest and wood products operations
• FWPCOR2210 Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations

These units align with ForestWorks' Safe and Skilled approved competencies – the industry's benchmark program endorsed by major employers and contractors to promote best-practice safety and sustainability.

In the high-risk world of forestry, where operations involve heavy machinery, remote sites, and interaction with natural ecosystems, prioritising worker safety and environmental stewardship is non-negotiable. Completing these units equips you with essential knowledge to identify hazards, apply safe work practices, minimise environmental impacts, and contribute to sustainable forest management.

Many employers require evidence of these competencies before allowing entry to worksites, making this training a critical first step for anyone starting in harvesting, silviculture, or wood products roles.

Benefits of completing this training:

• Gain confidence and skills to work safely and responsibly from day one
• Enhance employability in a growing industry committed to zero harm and ecological protection
• Contribute to safer workplaces, protected ecosystems, and a sustainable future for Australian forestry
• Open doors to further qualifications and rewarding career pathways

Step into the forest industry prepared, professional, and ready to make a positive impact – enrol today!

Qualifications and Recognition

Career Opportunities

Completion of these units directly supports roles such as

• Forestry Worker — Assisting with general forest operations, including maintenance of roads, facilities, and equipment.
• Logging Assistant — Supporting tree felling, trimming, and basic harvesting tasks under supervision.
• Plantation Forest Operator — Involved in plantation establishment, maintenance, weed control, and site preparation.
• Native Forest Operator — Working in native forest settings, applying biodiversity protection and environmental procedures.
• Silviculture Worker — Tasks like tree planting, thinning young plantations, and regeneration activities.
• Harvesting Support Roles — Such as log handling, basic machinery assistance, or site cleanup in harvesting and haulage operations.

These roles are common in commercial plantation and native forest operations, managed by organisations like private contractors, or regional forestry hubs.

Broader Employment Outcomes

Site Access and Compliance:

Many employers (e.g., via the Safe and Skilled program) mandate these competencies before allowing work on forestry sites, particularly for contractors in harvesting, silviculture, or road construction

Opportunities for Further Study

These units are core or elective prerequisites in many FWP qualifications, offering credit transfer and reducing training time. Common pathways in Victoria (available through TAFE Gippsland, other RTOs, or apprenticeships):

• FWP20121 Certificate II in Forest Operations (Not on offer at TAFE Gippsland)
• FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations
• FWP40121 Certificate IV in Forest Operations (Not on offer at TAFE Gippsland)
• FWP50121 Diploma of Forest Operations (Not on offer at TAFE Gippsland)
• AHC21020  Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture
• AHC30624 Certificate III in production Horticulture
• AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture
• AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture
• AHC50122 Certificate IV in Agriculture
• AHC50122 Diploma of Agriculture

Course Dates