FARMINGTON – A John Deere forestry equipment simulator is scheduled to be at Foster Technology Center from March 4 to March 6. Students and forestry professionals will be able to experience what it’s like behind the controls of a John Deere forwarder.
The simulator was brought in by Nortrax, the area’s John Deere Construction and Forestry dealer. Students and others will operate the simulator in the forestry area at the high school. The event was planned with the school by Sen. Tom Saviello (R-Wilton) and ReEnergy Holdings, a renewable energy company that owns four biomass-to-energy facilities in Maine. The simulator will be in the region until March 6. Morning and early afternoon sessions will be held for the students. The simulator will be available for forestry professionals to try on March 4 and 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on March 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The John Deere simulator features state-of-the-art technology that allows for a virtual hands-on experience. The simulator is equipped with actual machine control, including a measuring and control system that provides detailed reports on the operator’s session. The idea to create a simulator was generated by legislation introduced in the 125th Legislature by Senator Saviello and Senator Troy Jackson. This legislation discussed the challenges presented by an aging workforce and the need to recruit young people to the industry.
Senator Saviello noted the opportunity would not have been available without Nortrax and ReEnergy’s assistance.
“Thank you to Nortrax and ReEnergy for making this possible,” Saviello said. “This will provide an opportunity for students seeking a job in the forest industry hands-on experience on harvesting wood using high-tech equipment.”
“Nortrax and John Deere are proud to share the latest forestry equipment and technology with the next generation of forestry professionals,” said Bud Iverson, Nortrax Regional CWP/Morbark Manager. “Simulators like the one featured today are used in operator training so the experience is quite authentic.”
“One deficit we’ve had over the years is getting adequate seat time in up-to-date technology for entry-level equipment operators,” said Patrick Strauch, executive director of the Maine Forest Products Council. “This simulator represents an excellent opportunity for new operators to try their hand in these high-tech machines, test their hand-eye coordination while getting some feedback on their aptitude for this type of work. It’s a relatively inexpensive win-win for the students, educators and companies seeking new qualified workers. “
“ReEnergy relies on folks who work in the forests to supply 1 million tons annually of forest-derived biomass — more than 33,300 truckloads – just here in Maine,” said Eric Dumond, ReEnergy’s Wood Procurement Manager for the state of Maine. “The simulator is a mechanism to help attract young people to our industry and let them know that working in the woods is not what it used to be. In many ways, today’s high-tech forest harvesting equipment taps into the same kinds of skills that students use to operate popular game devices.”
“The collaborative effort that has brought these simulators to the Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center will result in many positive opportunities. It will not only allow our students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning on some of the more sophisticated training equipment in the field, but it will also bring together students as future employees with those that could potentially employ them,” said Glenn Kapiloff, Director of the Foster Technology Center. “Since Maine is one of the most forested states in the country and has one of the oldest work forces, it is vital that we inform, encourage and train our students about the opportunities they have in the forest industry. The school system sincerely appreciates the efforts of everyone coming together to strengthen the educational process for our students.”
Kapiloff noted that the project will benefit students from Spruce Mountain, Rangeley and Mt. Abram as well as Mt. Blue High School.
