Training the use of the mobile chipper in English

Content and objective of the education
The use of energy wood is to be increased markedly in the years to come, which means an increase in the needs for workers.  The aim is to increase the use of forest energy twofold or even threefold by 2020. For example, the energy supplier Tampereen Sähkölaitos already plans to double its energy wood consumption in the production of electricity and heating by 2012. The Tampere target of 400 GWh means that 530,000 cubic metres of energy wood will be needed - some 4,250 lorry loads a year. The forests in the Tampere region contain economically viable energy potential wood to the extent of 1100 GWh. One third of this is currently used. (Pirkanmaan puuenergiaselvitys 2006)

The aim is that those completing the education will be able to operate independently and in an economically profitable way as drivers of mobile chippers in companies in this field and to take care of maintenance of the chipper. The education is decidedly practically oriented and includes 20 weeks of on-the-job learning in work placement places towards the end of studies. The focal areas are the right work techniques and quality of work. Cost-consciousness in the various stages of harvesting, chipping and transport is also an important part of the training.

The studies include in addition to mobile chipper use also harvesting energy wood and transporting woodchips to the facilities what use them so that students understand the big picture in forest-based energy.

  • Familiarity with the field of forest-based energy
  • Harvesting and local transportation of energy wood
  • the mobile chipper and other machinery maintenance
  • Chipping
  • Transportation of woodchips
  • Harvesting and transportation logistics
  • Cost calculation
  • Customer service and interaction skills
  • On-the-job learning in companies

Dates
From 13 August 2012 to 30 May 2013 (applications deadline 8 June 2012).

Target group
This education is intended for people over 20 years old with an appropriate vocational education or work experience (for example in timber transportation), forest machinery transportation or other experience of heavy-duty machinery and preferably the CE driving licence (minimum requirement C driving licence).

Price
This is optional adult education. Participation fee 200 Euros.

Funding options
KELA: Student grant
Education fund: support for adult education
Consult the T&E centres on possibilities for unemployment benefit during studies

Enrolment
Enrolment date for the studies beginning in fall 2012 is 8 June 2012. Applications are to be made on an electronic application form or on an application form available at the College: you may order the application form by calling +358 40 734 8590.

Contact information
Tapio Talonen tel. +358 40 034 2560
Martti Koskinen tel. +358 40 025 7097
Tuomo Kivimäki tel. +358 40 801 6494
Jari Rauhala tel. +358 40 506 9170.