Driving practice tracks enhance forestry training for students in Kajaani and Rovaniemi

Driving practice tracks in the forestry sector are expected to enhance students’ skills for working in logging sites. These purpose-built tracks, which simulate various terrains, are a relatively recent addition to vocational training, with current locations in Kajaani and Rovaniemi, among others.

This fall, a three-hectare driving practice track was completed in Kajaani, allowing forestry students at Kainuu Vocational College to practice operating forest tractors and transporting tree trunks. The facility enables students to drive forestry machines in varied landscapes, serving as a crucial step before transitioning to internships or actual logging sites. According to Lauri Väisänen, the head of the forestry team at Kainuu Vocational College, learning to operate a forestry machine in soft terrain, for example, can prevent unnecessary damage to the landscape when transporting timber loads.

“Challenging sites also serve as valuable learning experiences for the students,” Väisänen adds. Student Santeri Turpeinen expressed satisfaction with the training track, noting that effective results are essential at actual logging sites.

In response to a recent incident of logging damage in Suomussalmi, Kainuu Vocational College has focused on discussions to prepare students to handle similar situations appropriately. In Suomussalmi, a forestry machine repeatedly crossed the Raakku River, contrary to official guidelines.

The demand for forest machine operators in Finland is high, and Väisänen believes that these training tracks can serve as an excellent promotional tool for attracting prospective students to the field. Following theoretical lessons and simulator training, students can practice for anywhere from one to five weeks on the driving track until they reach sufficient competency. During their first year, students operate a loading tractor for three months, followed by six months in the second year, with the third year dedicated solely to practical internships.