A Great Opportunity in the Timber Harvesting Sector as Four Join Blacklock's Training Programme

Euroforest’s HR Manager, Anne Lawrence spent two days at the Komatsu office and workshop in Longtown whilst undertaking interviews and competency tests for the Trainee Harvester and Forwarder Operator programme for Blacklock Harvesting.  The comprehensive training programme which runs over a six-month period has proven to be a great success and is now in its third year.  Over 100 applicants applied for the programme this year, which will take on four trainees who on successful completion of the training programme will achieve the Forest Machine Operations Certificate (FMOC) and become part of the team at Blacklock Harvesting.  

On the day candidates were first interviewed by Anne, Andrew Baxter, Blacklock Harvesting’s Director of Operations, and Danny Burns, Certification and Quality Manager at Euroforest, before undertaking a practical assessment.  Bob Forsyth of Forsyth Forestry Training led the practical assessments where candidates used a Forwarder Simulator before moving into the Komatsu yard where they experienced using a brand-new Komatsu 875 Forwarder to pick up and move tyres.  

As part of the training course, the successful candidates will undertake a week’s work experience at Komatsu where they will gain invaluable knowledge about the machines including how to maintain them and make small repairs.  

Thank you to Komatsu Europe for the kind use of your facilities.