The New Zealand forest products industry employs 20,389 people directly (as at mid February 2007).
Many of the country's new forests — those planted since the 1960s — are located in areas, such as Northland and Tairawhiti (East Coast), where unemployment has traditionally been high.
The need for a highly-trained workforce is recognised by all sectors of the industry. In 2008 trainees involved in on-the-job study in the industry comprised:
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| Solidwood Processing |
2517
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There were also 415 Modern Apprentices.
A well-trained workforce is efficient, effective and safe. The industry has successfully built a culture of safety that has resulted in a steady reduction in the incidence of accidents.
