First steps into forestry with no experience-FMO aspirations.

[Ruaraidhfc89]

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well! 

 My name is Ruaraidh, I'm looking to get some info with regards to getting my foot in the forestry door.  I have no experience but am keen to make a change in my career.  At the moment I'm gathering as much info as possible with regards to training, funding or sponsorship and the most efficient steps to reach a F.M.O forwarder/harvester tickets.

  If anyone has any info or can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. 

 So the info I have so far is... 

 

 1. I should apply for a fmo provisional license.

2. Contact companies to get a "trial" to see if I'm suited/able  and if it's what I'm expecting.

3. Try to get funding/sponsorship from reputable companies to do  the following courses?  1. NPTC base machinery. 2. NTPC forwarder.

4. If no funding/opportunities available then I could pay for a City and guilds chainsaw course ( chainsaw main and crosscutting and felling trees upto 380mm) and use this to get into a company and then show my commitment and determination to reach the more advanced tickets.

 

 Does this look like the right info or am I barking up the wrong tree? Does anyone have any tips, hints or contacts which might help.

 

 I live in central Scotland but would be willing to travel or relocate to make the dream a reality.  My intention is to make this a long term career and would be commited, loyal and appreciative of any opportunities given. 

 

 Thanks for looking,  

 

 RUARAIDH. 

 

 

 

  

[Rough Hewn]

Get down the gym.
Weights and cardio.
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[Ruaraidhfc89]

10 minutes ago, Rough Hewn said:

Get down the gym.
Weights and cardio.

 Hows it going Rough Hewn? Cardio is always the key to success huh! ???

 What do you bench?

   I'm on my way to get tickets to the "gunshow"... but any info on machine tickets?

[drinksloe]

My advice would probably be to do ur saw tickets 1st up to med and windblow and go get some exp cutting, u would no doubt make a few contacts etc for looking to move onto the machines later on.

I've heard a bit of rhoddy bashing working further north and struggling for cutters, be a good way to start and get sme experience before going for ur bigger/more complicated saw tickets.

 

U'll will also need EFAW+F wot ever u plan to do in the woods nowadys, only a 1 day course

 

I'm not a machine operator but have worked with plenty and watching and working woth them i always think the boys with cutting exp tend to make better operators (they also tend to be brilliant for helping u out as a cutter, give u lifts up the hill with all ur gear, while the younger boys staight out of college into the machine can some times be ignorant buggers and never try to help u)

I can imagine having cutting exp will also help u in the harvester assesing trees (wieght, lean etc)

I know i have learnt a lot from just watching the old timer forwarder drivers, taking smaller loads and keeping ur tracks well hagged, while the young boys are all loaded to the top of greedy pins giving it full revs they wonder why they end up getting stuck

 

Try looking up the barony college i've heard of them doing FT courses to get ur machine tickets, but i do think some that come out don't seem to have much of an idea (more common sense failure than lack of ability)

[Rough Hewn]

 Hows it going Rough Hewn? Cardio is always the key to success huh! [emoji123][emoji1303]
 What do you bench?
   I'm on my way to get tickets to the "gunshow"... but any info on machine tickets?

Cardio is the key to be able to finish a day in forestry.
Try walking in full ppe and rain gear, with a saw,combi can,belt+tape,felling lever and a rucksack with filing kit,lunch,2-3litres of water,bog roll etc
Up and down muddy slopes all day, dragging large logs and brash.
Bench?
I put my saws on a bench?[emoji848]
Tickets,
Very useful unless you want to work for cowboys.
I've met quite a few in forestry.[emoji51]
Get experience with saws and trees before upgrading to big toy tickets.
Doing your tickets in cross cutting and felling will in NO WAY prepare you for the real world of forestry.
It's just a key to the door.
Forestry is HARSH!
But you get the most amazing office in the world and a physique like a Greek statue.
Good luck
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[Stubby]

Insure your back , knees and shoulders...?

[Ruaraidhfc89]

Thanks Drinksloe, that's some good info! Thanks for the heads up about the first aid stuff. I shall add that to the list! 

  I have had a look at the full time courses and think that may be my last resort- once I've managed to save enough pennies.

 No one wants the reputation as a lazy "half arser!"? thankfully I have a top notch work ethic and common sense in abundance...

  I'm more than willing to start at the bottom and graft my way up too. 

 I see what you mean about the overloading- it's efficiency not speed I guess! A stitch in time saves nine ??

[Ruaraidhfc89]

Stubby, I'll add insurance of body parts to the list of things to do! ?

  I hear what you're saying Rough, it's not for the faint hearted that's for sure!  I like to think I'm pretty fit, although maybe not "forestry fit" as yet! Climbing Munroes, cycling and motorcycling is what I do in my spare time as I enjoy physical strain to a certain degree.   I was born in the rain too, so I hopefully could cope with the wetter, miserable aspects of forestry work. 

  I'll probably avoid the cowboy outfits for now to be honest! I'd rather follow best practice and learn the right way to be doing things!  So I can go home with all my limbs intact! 

   A key to the door is what I'm after, but I'll keep an open mind to the ins and outs of the real job. 

 It's the same in my current field of work- u can learn all the theory, and practice all you like- but when it's the real deal things are entirely different. 

  

 Thanks again ??

 

[LeeGray]

9 minutes ago, Ruaraidhfc89 said:

 

It's the same in my current field of work- u can learn all the theory, and practice all you like- but when it's the real deal things are entirely different. 

  

 Thanks again ??

 

You pornstars are always complaining!

[Ruaraidhfc89]

It's a hard job... but someone's gotta do it! ?