Business North July / August 2021

Whether you are just setting out on your career, or looking for a career change with great potential, forestry is a fast growing sector that o ers a diverse range of very exciting career opportunities. Prue Younger, CEO of the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) says forestry is an industry that involves much more than growing and harvesting plantation forests. “People of all ages and abilities will ind great careers in forestry, whether that is planting and managing native and exotic forests, looking after the forest environment, managing people and resources, working with state-of-the-art technology, or operating multi-million dollar machines and equipment. While some forestry jobs go all year, others are seasonal and while some are indoor jobs, others are outside in New Zealand’s beautiful country.” With such a wide choice of career options Prue encourages people of all ages to consider what kind of job within the forestry industry might be just right for them. “Whether you are still at school or just starting out, or have been working for some time, you can improve your skills and career choices through training and education. Opportunity knocks in forest sector Forestry has many di erent job opportunities and some well-de ined career pathways.” More than 20,000 people are directly employed in New Zealand's forestry industry and Prue says you can get a job in forestry in just about any region around New Zealand, working better hours and earning better wages than in pretty much any other primary industry. “Working in forestry is satisfying. You are protecting the environment, both by directly caring for nature and by reducing New Zealand’s carbon foot print. You are also contributing to the economy. It's personally rewarding as you can easily see your progress during your day's work and you are working with a crew of like-minded people who often become like family.” The Forest Industry Contractors Association was formed almost twenty years ago to give a common voice on relevant issues facing the industry and to foster development and improvement in the New Zealand forestry contracting industry. In the role of CEO for the last three years, Prue has the responsibility of representing the interests of forestry contractors throughout New Zealand, along with representation from other forestry organisations and regional bodies, primarily at a central government level. “The aim of our organisation is to partner with other forestry entities and work in collaboration to support the growth, capability and promotion of the forestry industry throughout New Zealand.” Governed by a board of experienced contractors, FICA currently has approximately 200member companies made up of logging contractors and a range of associate members. Re lecting on the success of FICA, Prue says it has been about being visible and available 24/7, staying ahead of the game, being able to make a di erence and expressing its members’ concerns with credibility. “FICA provides plenty of industry information, feedback and ensures up to date communications. We have practical workshops, a national discount scheme, regional industry developments, ield visits and a national voice for the industry.”