Development in vocational training methodologies needed to face the changing relationship between forest operator and technology evolution

Evolution in the field of technologies applied to the forest operations is being developed mainly through the innovation of machinery, equipment and components which produces incremental effects in increasing labor productivity, improving the quality of working and enhancing the safety of operation. In order the process of innovation in technologies applied to timber supply chain can ensure the best results it is essential to adopt accompanying measures providing for a strong involvement of the human component. Vocational training techniques can play a strategic role: adoption of new teaching tools (e.g. simulators); new educational programs focusing not only on knowledge of the use of technologies but also in relation to their management; new educational programs focusing on the different professional that must be formed (from the operator to the entrepreneur) are effective procedures for increasing teaching capability. It is essential that the procedures consider the learning characteristics of the learners, in many cases adults who have often acquired their work experience practicing in the field. In this perspective the use of the provisions of the so-called andragogy, i.e. theory of adult learning and training, could be a basic element of vocational training. Due to the fact that the modern organisational structures require flexible learning practices and there is a need for immediacy of learning, a heutagogical approach in vocational training must be introduced as an attempt to go beyond the simple acquisition of skills and knowledge (competence) as a learning experience to developing capability. Heutagogical approaches to vocational education and training will emphasise: in-vivo learning rather than classroom based experiences; provision of resources rather than teaching of content; negotiation rather than teacher centred; facilitation rather than teaching; team based rather than individual; learner solutions rather than teacher solutions; capability as well as competence; questions as well as answers