Operate a portable sawmill

Course Dates

This hands-on course provides the practical skills and knowledge required to safely assemble, operate, maintain and dismantle a portable sawmill in a forestry or timber processing environment. Learners will gain experience in setting up sawmills on-site, processing logs into sawn timber, and performing routine maintenance and safe transport procedures.

Whether you’re looking to start your career in the timber industry, expand your existing skills, or operate a small-scale milling business, this short course equips you with the essential competencies to manage a portable sawmill efficiently and safely.

The unit applies to individuals who assemble, operate and dismantle a portable sawmill as part of forestry or timber processing operations. Operate a Portable Sawmill is an entry-level course designed to build essential skills in safely handling portable sawmills using a Lucas Mill in a commercial forestry job role.

Delivered over 2 days at TAFE Gippsland's Forestec campus, it provides access to a forest environment, including provision to use our Lucas Mill, logs, maintenance equipment, and relevant PPE. It is ideal for those starting out in the sawmilling sector.

Key topics cover site selection, assembly and dismantling, log assessment, sawing techniques, process monitoring, basic maintenance, hazard identification, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. With no prerequisites, the course emphasises workplace safety, environmental protection, and practical hands-on training in diverse settings such as the forestry sector.

The course features a low student to trainer ratio, with a maximum of 3 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.

Qualifications and Recognition

Career Opportunities

Possible job roles may include, but not limited to, the following :

• Portable Sawmill Operator – assembling, operating and maintaining mobile sawmills in forest or on-site timber operations.
• Forestry Worker / Forestry Operations Assistant – assisting with harvesting, log handling, and on-site timber processing.
• Timber Processing Worker – operating and maintaining saws, mills, and related machinery in fixed or portable facilities.
• Timber Production Operator – producing sawn timber and timber products to customer specifications.
• Sawmill Labourer or Mill Hand – supporting timber cutting, stacking, grading and waste management operations.
• Small-Scale Timber Business Operator – running a portable sawmilling business servicing rural properties, small forestry projects, or custom timber clients.
• Farm Forestry Operator – integrating on-farm timber harvesting and portable sawmilling for property-scale timber use or sales.

Industry sectors where these roles are found:

• Forestry and logging
• Timber milling and processing
• Farm forestry and land management
• Portable and mobile sawmilling services
• Timber product manufacturing and supply

Opportunities for Further Study

N/A

Course Dates