"It's an enjoyable job, especially for those who enjoy working outdoors."
Some of the students already work with companies and are doing the course alongside that.
"Those students who are not yet employed know our graduates are highly regarded by the industry so want to study with us due to the employment prospects."
Jasmine Thornton, of Kawerau, moved to Rotorua to do the course. She said a lot of her family worked in forestry and she wanted to join them.
"I like the outdoors environment and I could never work in an office so I thought that this was the best option for me.
"I have to go and look for a job but it shouldn't be too hard with this course and because there is a such a shortage of qualified forestry workers. I'm hoping to find a job in the Bay of Plenty, but if I have to move then I'll do that."
Another student, Jayden Pye, is doing the course through the forestry company he works for. He relocated from Napier to do the course.
"I had been working for a few months but I'm learning so much from the course. I can't wait to finish and get out there to use my skills.
"I really enjoy getting out on sites and working in the industry."
Taupō mum Sharee Fleming joined the course after a shoulder injury forced her out of the dairy industry.
"I wanted something just as challenging but wasn't going to strain my shoulder and so I thought about forestry. I'm so glad I signed up to do this course, I'm loving it. For me, it's a challenge and I prefer to work in a male-dominated industry."
The New Zealand Certificate in Forest Harvesting Operations (Level 3) - Woodsman course runs for 21 weeks. During the course students use simulators to learn to operate machinery from the classroom,
Stringfellow said the simulators were top-of-the-range and realistic.
"Once they get out there, these guys and girls are operating machines so it's good for them to build the muscle memory. With the simulators, they get to practise their skills in the classroom and get used to the controls before they get out there for real."
