Barony Campus of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Dumfries and Galloway have benefitted by receiving a very generous donation from John Deere Forestry.
A high tech forestry simulator, worth £80,000 and two laptop simulators will provide an excellent training addition to the Barony’s current facilities.
The simulator is designed to replicate the experience of using a real machine, for both a forwarder and harvester, which will enable students to gain vital experience.
Paul Fotheringham, Senior Forestry Instructor said: “We are delighted to receive the simulators – it is great support from John Deere, and helps with the important first step in learning a technical challenging job. It also keeps us up to date and helps raise the profile of forestry and technology. It will prepare students with the skills required for one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.”
Jock McKie, Country Manager of John Deere said: “Our latest range of simulators and associated TimberSkills training software have been utilised worldwide with great success and we are delighted to be able to support local colleges with these products. We are proud of our association with Barony Campus and we are sure the addition of the simulators will enable Paul and the team to continue to deliver much needed training within the sector.”
The simulators have the advantage of being portable and have already been to both the Royal Highland Show and Black Isle Show, and will be used at many exhibitions and events going forward within SRUC.
The equipment is also being used in our intensive 8 week Forest Machine Operator courses which have been developed by the UK Forest Products Association and supported by John Deere Forestry and Forestry Commission Scotland.
These courses are designed to enhance and improve the skills of existing forestry workers with experience of mechanised timber harvesting operations. The first of the three 8 week courses has recently commenced, with two more starting in October and January with some places still available. For more information please go to www.sruc.ac.uk/fmo
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