Description
The Autonomous Province of Trento has been running training programmes on the organisation, technical aspects and safety of forestry operations since the early 1980s.
This service is primarily aimed at those involved in timber harvesting and land maintenance, in both the private and public sectors.
The provincial administration manages this activity directly with the aim of providing practical support to businesses in the sector, particularly with regard to aspects relating to the training obligations set out in the legislation on health and safety at work (Legislative Decree 81/08).
The courses cover the correct use and maintenance of the main forestry machinery and equipment, the techniques and safety rules for felling trees, as well as those relating to the skidding of timber using forestry tractors, winches and cable cranes.
The training programme for forestry site managers – the so-called ‘licence’ – takes on a specific focus, as it is required to carry out forestry operations on public land.
The training activities are delivered by a team comprising forestry workers acting as instructors and specialist technicians.
The courses are predominantly practical in nature and are conducted in real-world working environments (forest harvesting sites) using up-to-date machinery and specialist equipment.
The main venue for these activities is in Borgo Valsugana, in the S. Giorgio area, and in the nearby Val di Sella.
Objectives
- to promote the adoption of rational and safe working methods
- to train operators to carry out operations with a limited impact on forest ecosystems
- to help foster the professional skills essential for the efficient and productivity-focused management of the province’s forest resources
- to provide information on criteria for optimising timber production
Training programme
Courses for businesses
OP 1 – Forestry operator
OP 2 – Specialised forestry operator
COND 1 – Installation of forestry cable cranes and timber extraction techniques
RESP 1 – Forestry Operations Manager (for the purpose of obtaining the ‘Licence’)
AGG 1 – Refresher course for Forestry Operations Managers (for the renewal of the ‘Licence’)
TEMP 1 – Cutting storm-felled trees with a chainsaw
Courses open to all
b1 – Safety and basic tree-felling techniques
b2 – Safety and advanced tree felling techniques
b3 – Safety and techniques for skidding timber using a tractor and winch
Courses advertised in the catalogue are normally run provided there are at least three enrolments.
Fieldwork
Alongside training and refresher courses, the team of instructors is involved in felling and skidding work in the forest plots where the course exercises take place. This work serves as a ‘training ground’ for honing the practical skills of the teaching staff and also provides an opportunity to test working methods and machinery.
Technology transfer
The transfer of experience and information to operators constitutes another area of activity, which has been ongoing for some time thanks to numerous contacts with companies, and national and international research and training institutes.
This is made possible by our ongoing efforts to keep abreast of technological and organisational developments.
