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The Alliance Between Ponsse and Technical High Schools Transforming Forestry Education in Chile

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Forestry operators and mechanics are fundamental pieces in the machinery of Chile's forestry sector. As the industry grows in complexity and technology, so does the demand for skilled human capital.

However, training experienced operators and mechanics remains a constant challenge for contractors in the field. In this context, companies like Ponsse have taken an active role, not only providing technological solutions for CTL (Cut-to-Length) harvesting but also directly participating in training new generations of technicians.

Felipe Cerpa, After-Sales Manager at Ponsse, stated that it is crucial to collaborate with the sustainable development of the sector, which includes strengthening teaching-learning processes in technical education. "Although the company has a training team, we recognize that individual effort is not enough. That’s why we’ve bet on strategic alliances with technical high schools, which have proven key to bridging the gap between labor supply and demand," he emphasized.

A Shared Interest

One example is the agreement between Ponsse and the Bicentennial Agricultural Excellence High School of Chillán Cato. According to its director, Claudio Asenjo, this collaboration stems from a shared interest in nurturing local talent, allowing 11th-grade students to access comprehensive training in simulators, workshops, and technical talks with experts. "This alliance demonstrates a real commitment to human capital development in the region," he said. The first generation will begin their experience on May 19, marking a milestone in education-business collaboration.

Another exemplary case is that of the Alejandro Rojas Sierra Technical-Professional High School, located in Licantén. The transformation story of this institution is remarkable. In 2017, it faced imminent closure due to low enrollment.

Teacher Yasna Espinoza, coordinator of the forestry program, led a reinvention process that included acquiring a Ponsse simulator. The collaboration with the company was decisive. "They listened to us, understood our reality, and offered a solution that changed our destiny," she shared emotionally. Today, the school is a benchmark in forestry education, with motivated students and a modern, active educational project.

A Decade of Experience

The impact of these alliances is also evident in Curepto, where the Luis E. Correa Rojas Bicentennial High School has been a leader in technical-professional forestry training in the Maule region.

With over a decade of experience in forestry mechanization, they began with support from Forest Center and later strengthened their partnership with Ponsse. Professor Luis Acevedo, a driving force behind this relationship, highlights the value of hands-on training and fieldwork. "Our program doesn’t just train operators but also mechanics capable of diagnosing and maintaining machinery. That’s our strength," he explains.

Thanks to a project by the Ministry of Education, the school acquired a state-of-the-art Ponsse simulator. This allowed students to train under realistic conditions, improving their employability. Acevedo appreciates Ponsse’s ongoing support and proximity, as the company has even participated in graduation ceremonies and maintains active dialogue with the educational community.

Meanwhile, the Carlos Montaner Castro Bicentennial Excellence High School in Quirihue maintains a valuable alliance with Ponsse to strengthen the training of its Forestry Technician students. This three-year collaboration has provided access to cutting-edge technology, training, and fieldwork opportunities.

According to Julio Molina, coordinator of the Forestry Technician program, the initiative emerged to enhance students' employability by training skilled operators for the sector’s future. In a region with strong forestry activity, this education-business synergy drives productive development and better prepares young people.

Felipe Cerpa, Ponsse’s After-Sales Manager, concluded by stating that these alliances between technical high schools and companies not only strengthen technical-vocational secondary education but also connect the classroom with the real world, ensuring relevant, modern training aligned with the country’s needs.