Any Master Loggers Take On Greenhorns Anymore

[pahillbilly]

Is it possible anymore to get into the logging trade without schooling. I have always had a huge interest for the outdoors and conservation but never did a thing about it. Now, im 32, 4 kids, hate my current occupation, and want to get into a career in something i know i'll love. I can't really go to school because i still have to keep a roof over my family. There are many logging, and milling companies around here but most want experience, which i have none of. Do master loggers or arborists or owners take on rookies and apprentice them? I can imagine why they wouldn't, like competition, and liability, but i'm not out to open my own business!! I just want to get into a career in forestry that i would love to wake up to everyday. One more thing, isnt schooling more theory that anything else? I thought that hands on experience would teach more info than classrooms. I dont know, any comments would be much appreciated.

 

[(WLL)]

Is it possible anymore to get into the logging trade without schooling. I have always had a huge interest for the outdoors and conservation but never did a thing about it. Now, im 32, 4 kids, hate my current occupation, and want to get into a career in something i know i'll love. I can't really go to school because i still have to keep a roof over my family. There are many logging, and milling companies around here but most want experience, which i have none of. Do master loggers or arborists or owners take on rookies and apprentice them? I can imagine why they wouldn't, like competition, and liability, but i'm not out to open my own business!! I just want to get into a career in forestry that i would love to wake up to everyday. One more thing, isnt schooling more theory that anything else? I thought that hands on experience would teach more info than classrooms. I dont know, any comments would be much appreciated.

there is lots of openings in the arb industry and most company's are looking 4 green workers because the pay is cheap 4 a newby. the risk factor is high and the work is very physical and hard so there is always openings. this is not a job 4 everyone and it takes a special kind of fella to handle it. a good worker does not need to know much but needs to be aware of his surroundings and listen very good to his/her boss. most of the treemen in the biz but i will speak 4 myself love the work and when im interested in the job learning is easy. dont get me wrong it takes many years to be a competitive arborist. remember speed comes with knowledge. think twice and move once. never let your gard down and the more u know the more u will find out there is to know. be safe use good judgment and good luck. as there is many company's to choose from so choose wisely and think safe

 

[beowulf343]

there is lots of openings in the arb industry and most company's are looking 4 green workers because the pay is cheap 4 a newby.

True, but logging is different. You get a newb who doesn't know what they are doing and they can lose you alot of money over something as simple as how they cut their notch. Plus a faller will spend alot of time working by himself all alone-he makes a mistake and it can seem like a long time before the skidder comes back around. If you have no experience as a skidder operator or in felling trees, it will be very difficult to get a job. And this warm winter is not helping things either-I know of a few companies around here laying off guys because it is just too wet and the ground is still not frozen.

To put it bluntly, if you have no experience, I don't think you can get a job in the tree industry that pays enough to support four kids. Sure, groundie jobs are easy to get but the pay usually sucks. I'm sorry to say it and I hope you can prove me wrong. Good luck!