Falling Training (Non Commercial Operations)

Career opportunities

Non Commercial Operations:

Basic Level

Successful completion at the basic level prepares individuals for entry-level support roles in forest operations, where tasks are conducted under close supervision. Possible job roles may include, but not limited to:

• forest nursery production assistant,
• silviculture worker,
• or basic timber harvesting support in non-commercial settings.

Employment outcomes may involve providing assistance in forestry contexts, such as in agriculture, conservation, land management, or emergency services, with a focus on routine procedures and collaboration. This also aligns with entry-level positions in school-based VET traineeships or VET in schools programs, emphasising a basic understanding of industry risks and operations.

Intermediate Level

At the intermediate level, graduates are equipped for production-level roles requiring limited supervision and specialised skills in forest operations. Job roles may include, butnot limited to:

• silviculture operator,
• timber harvesting and haulage assistant,
• or arborist support in high-risk environments involving moderate tree complexity.

Employment outcomes include operational positions in forestry, agriculture, parks and gardens (e.g., gardener, grounds person, greenkeeper), or local government, where individuals apply discretion in equipment operation, resource coordination, and contingency measures. This level suits trade-level roles in arboriculture, such as climbing or EWP arborist assistants, with emphasis on safety regimes for working at heights or ground support.

Advanced Level

Completion at the advanced level opens pathways to supervisory or specialised roles managing complex felling operations. Job roles may include, but notlimited to:

• forest operations manager,
• crew leader in forestry contractor businesses,
• advanced arborist (e.g., crane specialist, environmental arborist, works coordinator),
• or senior operator in timber harvesting and haulage.

Employment outcomes involve leading teams, establishing operational plans, and ensuring compliance in high-risk settings across arboriculture, forestry, conservation, and government agencies. This level supports managerial positions requiring broad specialised knowledge, such as overseeing tree dismantling, remediation, and habitat development, with a focus on productivity and environmental protection.

Opportunities for further study

Upon completing any of the Tree Felling units, students can pathway into nationally recognised qualifications in the forestry and related industries. Units from both streams contribute to the following qualifications:

• FWP20122 Certificate II in Forest Operations
• FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations
• FWP40121 Certificate IV in Forest Operations
• AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture
• AHC31024 Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Qualifications and Recognition

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment

Placement

Not Applicable

Specialist Course Information

N/A

Material and Equipment Supplied by Students

Not Applicable

Entry Requirements

Mandatory entry requirements:

This course involves operating a chainsaw (typically weighing 4-7 kg), felling trees, 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, logs 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.

Recommended entry requirements:

It is recommended that participants have completed FWPCOT2254 Maintain Chainsaws, FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees or FWPHAR2209 Trim and cut Harvested trees or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills. Please discuss your experience with the Timber Training Manager (Kevin Nunn) when you make your enquiry.

Limitations to entry:

• Intermediate and advanced falling demands high level of industry experience and extensive knowledge in the operation of chainsaws and tree falling techniques. Evidence will be required to support this when applying for intermediate/advanced levels.
• Trainers/assessors may advise against participation if you have conditions affecting mobility, strength, or endurance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Many TAFE Gippsland courses offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). To find out more visit the TAFE Gippsland website or contact us to discuss your option.