New forestry training standards developed in Russia

One of the main challenges for the Russian forestry industry remains the shortage of personnel. According to experts, it is 15%. New training standards and updated programs are aimed at training specialists who meet modern business requirements.

New educational standards

Today, 56 universities in Russia train personnel for the forestry industry, most of which are located in the northwest of the country - in St. Petersburg, the Arkhangelsk region, Karelia, Komi. Over the past ten years, the number of budget places in forestry specialties has increased by 25%. However, the need for qualified specialists remains high, as in recent years the demand for personnel has changed: from equipment operators to developers and creators of new technologies.

Practice-oriented training

Training specialists requires both fundamental education and mandatory practice. In this regard, 12 new federal standards for secondary specialized education have been developed, including training personnel to work with modern equipment in logging areas. Also, the "Professionality" programs are being introduced, which allow training specialists directly in production. This method is actively used in colleges in Komi, Vologda and Arkhangelsk regions.

New areas and competencies

Universities have updated their curricula: now students of forestry specialties study forest industry management, and also receive competencies in IT, including training in new areas: young specialists are trained at the intersection of two professions - in the field of forestry and digital technologies. An important addition was the training of furniture designers and forest restoration engineers, which meets business demands for the creation of new products and technologies.

Revision of the training system

To improve the quality of education and practical skills of students, it is proposed to increase the volume of practice, create a "seamless" training system from secondary vocational education to higher education, and revive the institution of personnel distribution. This will allow enterprises to prepare in advance for the recruitment of young specialists and support them at the initial stage of their careers.

Forestry classes in schools

Forestry classes are opening in schools in the northwest of Russia to attract young people to forestry professions. In 2024, such classes appeared in 15 schools in the Vologda Region, and in Novodvinsk in the Arkhangelsk Region. The goal of the program is to popularize forestry professions and demonstrate the benefits of renewable forest resources.