Georgia Paulson

Eastland Forestry Awards Apprentice of the Year

Georgia Paulson is developing a promising career in forestry while completing an apprenticeship in Machine Operations (Hauler and Loader) with Blackstump Logging in Tolaga Bay.

Georgia’s role also involves being a representative for quality control and health and safety. She says the knowledge and experience gained through her apprenticeship will enable her to advance in her work.

“Along with my apprenticeship, I’m also completing the New Zealand Diploma in Forest Management and aim to use both qualifications towards starting my career in forest management, beginning with harvest supervising.

“I would highly recommend the apprenticeship – there is an endless number of career paths in forestry, and this is a great way to progress hands-on. To develop a career in our evolving industry is a great opportunity, it’s an exciting time to get involved with new systems and technology being introduced in New Zealand,” says Georgia.

“To choose a forest as your office of choice is an easy decision.”

While forestry may have been a typically male-dominated career, Georgia says more women are joining the industry. “It’s great to see. Over the few years I have worked in logging crews, I have worked alongside a handful of women, all of whom have enjoyed their jobs.”

Despite being in the early stages of her apprenticeship, Georgia took out the New Zealand Apprentice of the Year at the 2018 Eastland Wood Council Forestry Awards.

“It’s pretty unreal and took a while for it to sink in. I’m extremely proud to have been named New Zealand Apprentice of the Year and also to know that our industry supports my commitment to the forestry sector.”