Students studying Arboriculture at Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) are set to benefit from hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment thanks to the donation of a state-of-the-art Norwood sawmill.
The sawmill, generously provided by forestry machinery dealer – and the UK’s only supplier of Norwood sawmills – Global Machinery Solutions, will enable students to gain practical skills in timber processing and sustainable forestry management. This aligns with the College’s and industry’s growing focus on environmentally responsible practices.
As part of their training, students studying at the Cannington Campus will now have the opportunity to turn raw timber into finished materials, preparing them for real-world challenges in the arboriculture and forestry industries.
This practical experience will also extend to learning about business diversification, as students explore how a sawmill can enable arborists to create value-added products from felled timber, such as custom lumber, garden furniture, or bespoke woodcraft.
This addition highlights the value of BTC’s close partnerships with employers and industry leaders, ensuring students receive training that reflects the demands of their future careers, including the increasing importance of sustainable practices.
By working with the Norwood sawmill, students will learn how to maximise timber utilisation, reduce waste, and understand the lifecycle of wood products.
Jason Gunningham, Assistant Principal, commented,
We’re thrilled to introduce the Norwood sawmill into our curriculum. It’s a fantastic example of how collaboration with employers directly benefits our students, providing them with the tools and experience to excel in their chosen fields.
Tom Cunningham, Deputy Head, said,
It is incredibly generous, these pieces of kit care expensive, we could not be more grateful to Global Machinery Solutions for their donation. It will ensure students are well prepared for a successful future in the industry.
Andy Dudley, Global Machinery Solutions’ Technical Consultant, who installed the sawmill, said,
This was a great opportunity to support students looking to qualify and develop a career in forestry. It also provides a glimpse into the wide range of equipment they may use as part of their arboriculture future. Developing young people’s skills is vital and we’re delighted to support the College.
For more information on Arboriculture and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.
