More than 500 Sydney-based Ryde Secondary College students have participated in the school’s first Careers in Forestry Day, which saw presenters Steve Dobbyn and Nick Cameron “overwhelmed” by the response from students now exploring a career in forestry.
“Many enthusiastic students came back in their own time at lunch and formed a long line to ask Nick and Steve about what subjects they needed to do at school to work in Forestry,” said a representative from Ryde Secondary College. Steve and Nick, both ANU graduates with 70 years of combined experience in forestry, “were impressed by the enthusiasm and good behaviour of students,” who now envisage that “many students will now seriously consider Forestry as a vocational pathway.”
“This day would not have been a success without the hard work of Social Sciences Head Teacher Mr Karl Farag, HSIE Teacher Mr Paul McCartan and Careers Advisor Ms Karen Van Es,” Ryde Secondary College said.
Yesterday, Wood Central spoke to Maree McCaskill, CEO of Timber NSW, who helped organise the speakers for the event: “In two weeks, we will host another session with Responsible Wood and the forestry division of Local Land Services, who will share their information and career paths in forestry,” Ms McCaskill said. “Thank you, ForestLearning, for the teaching materials for the staff.”
The forestry industry is changing, and fast…
The push to embrace forestry comes as Wood Central last year reported that the industry is set to become one of those most impacted by AI and machine learning (for the better).
In September 2018, the World Economic Forum (WEF) reported that “AI could be the game changer for the world’s forests.” At the time, the WEF noted that forest management is an excellent example of how technology-first approaches can quickly deliver results:
The WEF said predictive analytics and machine learning models are “helping scientists and authorities in different parts of the world in the quest for better forest management—this also includes restoring areas damaged by fires, logging, or clear-cutting.”
Five reasons to pursue a career in Forestry
In 2021, the US-based National Association of State Foresters listed the top five reasons to pursue a career in the industry:
#1: Protect forests for future generations
Foresters can play an integral role in protecting the planet’s biodiversity and ensuring food security and resources for future generations.
#2: It’s good for your mental health
Studies show that spending time outdoors, particularly near trees and forests, is good for health. One of the more well-known benefits of being among trees is a boost in mood. Spending time outdoors “gives the cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be patient.”
#3: Learn a specialised skill
Forestry is an essential service in enhancing, managing, and conserving forests. Forested landscapes face natural disasters, land use conversion and development, and destruction from catastrophic fires. Forestry careers require several different skills, from tree identification and problem-solving to decision-making and long-range planning.
A career in forestry means you’ll gain practical knowledge in soil health, hydrology, ecosystems management, agriculture, wildlife preservation, and the timber supply chain.
#4: Work in a growing field
Forestry careers have existed since the 1800s, and demand only grows. Due to the unfortunate effects of climate change, specialised foresters and conservation scientists are needed to safeguard one of our most essential natural resources: trees.
Because of this, the forest industry is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, particularly in fire management, which includes prevention, mitigation, and suppression.
#5: Long-term health benefits
Being able to work outdoors is like an added health insurance policy. Foresters spend more time outdoors and, without trying, actively reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that can lead to chronic inflammation and a suppressed immune system if not properly regulated.
But that’s not all. Spending time in a forest reduces various health issues, including respiratory diseases and skin cancer. It also helps promote an active lifestyle that can reduce obesity. And when you breathe in fresh air, you’re breathing in phytoncides (a chemical plant release into the air to ward off insects and protect them from disease).
- To learn more about the added career benefits of forestry, click here for the full article by the National Association of State Foresters.
