Mechanical Fitter
Mechanical Fitters are responsible for the regular maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment, inspecting machinery to determine any problems or malfunctions.
They also test equipment to ensure performance, maintain records and ensure health and safety standards are met for the best output.
Qualifications
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- Trade qualifications as Fitter and Turner
- Experience in maintenance roles in processing plants will be an advantage
- Employers in the forest and wood products industry are very supportive of ongoing training and skills development
Day to Day Operations
- Preventative maintenance of machinery
- Fault finding and repair, testing and diagnosis
- Ordering parts and keeping maintenance reports and related documentation
- Liaising with plant operators and supervisors
Ideal attributes
- Relevant technical experience, plus good attention to detail, literacy and numeracy, problem solving skills and ability to work autonomously or as part of a team
- A high level of understanding and commitment to occupational health and safety is essential
Employers include
- Saw mills and wood processors
- Timber product manufacturers
Electrician
As an Industrial Electrician in the forest and wood products sector, you would be applying your trade skills and experience to a wide range of maintenance and installation situations in timber mills, processing plants and wholesale and retail timber yards.
You will be responsible for installing, testing, connecting, commissioning, maintaining and modifying electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Qualifications
Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Day to Day Operations
- Preventative maintenance, and fault finding and root cause analysis
- Training plant operators and providing technical support
- Examining blueprints, wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequence and methods of operation
- Measures and lays out insulation reference points
- Selects, cuts and connects wire and cable to terminals and connectors
- Uses electrical and electronic test instruments to trace and diagnose faults
- Repairs and replaces faulty wiring and defective parts
- Positions and installs electrical switchboards
- Connects electrical systems to power supply
- Tests continuity of circuit.
Ideal Attributes
- Relevant technical experience, plus good attention to detail, literacy and numeracy, problem solving and a high level of understanding and commitment to occupational, health and safety
Employers
- Processing plants and merchandising outlets
Saw Technician
The Saw Technician makes, repairs, sharpens and maintains saws and a wide range of cutting tools.
In the timber mills, the saw tech ensures the bandsaws and circular saws are well-maintained and sharpened to keep the mill operating and processing timber that builds houses and other wood fibre products that we use in every day life.
Saw technicians are a vital part of forestry, whether harvesting, saw milling or fabricating, sharp saws are essential to the production of timber.
Qualifications
Certificate III in Saw Technology
Day to Day Operations
- Makes blades for circular, band and other power saws and repairs, sets and sharpens blades for hand and power saws
- Welding tools and saws, straightening and stretching steel blades
- Dismantles precision instruments, repairs and replaces defective parts, and reassembles articles using hand and power tools and specially designed machines
Ideal Attributes
- Technically minded and enjoy practical, manual work
- Enjoy working alone or part of a team
- Be physically fit and always put the safety of yourself and workmates first
Employers
- Saw mills
- Timber products fabricators
- Saw service shops
- Forestry contractors
Wood Machinist
The Wood Machinist is one of the most highly skilled people in a sawmill.
To operate the most high-tech machines in the mill, you will be needing a trade qualification, to produce the best quality product. A Wood Machinist specialises in cutting, planning, turning and sanding wood stock to client specifications.
You’ll have job satisfaction knowing you are making a difference to climate change, as you are producing one of the world’s most environmentally friendly building materials – sustainably sourced timber.
Qualifications
Certificate III in Wood Machining
Day to Day Operations
- Sets up woodworking machines and wood stock for correct cutting, planning, turning, shaping and sanding
- Operating machines to cut, plane, turn, shape and sand work pieces
- Requirement to maintain multi-million dollar machines
- Fitting and fastening frame pieces
Ideal Attributes
- Enjoy practical work with your hands, be interested in the timber you are producing and understand the value of the product you are processing
Employers
- Softwood sawmills and processors