Joe Gilvray, a Year 12 student at Lytton High School in Gisborne, shows no fear when he operates heavy duty machinery in the Mangatu forest as part of his school curriculum.

College student Joe Gilvray at work on a forestry.

He’s working hard because he has aspirations to manage his own logging company in the future.

At the start of this year, Joe with the encouragement of his teachers, decided he wanted to focus his learning on the forestry industry.

As part of this, he’s been working as a logger for Stewart Logging one day a week during the last two terms to earn 20 sector-related credits toward his vocational pathway award in primary industries. This will help him progress more easily to tertiary study and work in forestry.

“I was nervous at first, but now I love what I do and am more confident; although safety is very important and it is challenging work.

“I don’t want it to stop here; I don’t just want to be a logger, I want to be a manager.”

As a result of his hard work, Joe will be completing his NCEA Level 2 this year with a Primary Industries Vocational Pathway.

Next year, he’ll progress to year one of his diploma in forestry management at Turanga Ararau. The following year he moves to Waiariki Polytech in Rotorua to complete the two-year course.   

Joe has also done maths and engineering, as he knows these will be important as he forges his management career.

“My uncle has been helping me learn about forestry and is one of my tutors.”

Joe’s mum, who is an accountant, and dad who is a plumber are also supportive. “They know I enjoy working outdoors and am good at managing that heavy machinery.”