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Wood Processing Worker

Kaimahi Kani Rākau

Wood processing workers set up and use woodworking machinery to cut logs into timber for building, furniture and other products.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a wood processing worker. However, construction and mechanical technologies, maths and processing technologies are useful.

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3

Useful experience

Useful experience for wood processing workers includes:

  • work in the timber or forestry industries
  • work with heavy machinery
  • engineering experience.

What you will do

Wood processing workers may do some or all of the following:

  • operate sawmill machinery, log loaders and forklifts
  • sort, stack and grade timber
  • trim timber pieces to a standard length
  • record timber sizes and grades and the amount of timber in the yard
  • design and make templates and knives
  • check and maintain equipment
  • clean the work areas and equipment
  • package and wrap timber for delivery.

Skills and knowledge

Wood processing workers need to have knowledge of:

  • the sawmill process
  • timber characteristics
  • the sizes and grades of timber required for different products
  • safety procedures
  • mechanical skills for doing basic maintenance on machinery.
Pay

Wood processing workers usually earn

$49K-$50K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of finding work as a wood processing worker are average due to lower overseas demand for processed wood.
Length of training
1-2
years of training required.

Industry

Manufacturing

Wood processing workers set up and use woodworking machinery to cut logs into timber for building, furniture and other products.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a wood processing worker you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (Level 2 to Level 4). Competenz oversees apprenticeships.

A forklift licence is useful.

Chances of getting a job

Chances of finding work as a wood processing worker are average, as although there is high demand for processed wood from the construction industry, there is increasingly low demand for processed wood from overseas.

Lack of wood to process limits jobs

Higher demand for unprocessed wood from overseas means many local sawmills don't have enough unprocessed wood to turn into products.

Sawmills may close if the high demand for unprocessed wood from overseas continues. With less sawmills, it will be harder to find a job as a wood processing worker.

According to the Census, 3,205 wood processing workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Small range of employers 

Wood processing workers work for sawmills and wood processing companies.

Find out more about training

Competenz
0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Wood processing workers may progress into management or supervisory roles.

Wood processing workers may specialise in:

  • finger jointing
  • timber machining.

 

Working conditions

Wood processing workers:

  • work regular business hours, but may do shift work and work weekends
  • work in sawmills and timber yards, and may work in noisy and dusty conditions.

Physical Requirements

Wood processing workers need to have a good level of health and fitness. They also need to have normal colour vision and good hand-eye co-ordination.

Useful personal qualities

Wood processing workers need to be:

  • practical
  • careful and efficient
  • safety-conscious
  • able to remain calm under pressure.

Industry

Manufacturing

Wood processing workers set up and use woodworking machinery to cut logs into timber for building, furniture and other products.

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