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Useful experience for wood processing workers includes:

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

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.

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.

Competenz

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

Wood processing workers may progress into management or supervisory roles.

Wood processing workers may specialise in:

• finger jointing
• timber machining.

Wood processing workers need to be:

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