Support for industry training trial for critically needed roles

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is proud to support a new two-year saw doctor and wood machinist pilot training trial aimed at boosting these much-needed forestry sector skills for our workforce, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said today.

“There is a national shortage of saw technicians and wood machinists and it’s critical that we have efficient, accessible and fit for purpose training to support these important specialised skills across both softwood and hardwood processing and manufacturing. Saw makers and repairers are not currently listed on the Core Skills and Occupation List (CSOL),” Diana Hallam said.

This pilot training trial will be delivered in conjunction with Timber Training Creswick and TAFE NSW with support from employers and the Australian Government’s $10 million Forestry Workforce Training Program being administered by ForestWorks.

“Attracting new people into the industry begins at school, and we hope that this pilot training trial can go some way to encouraging more young people to consider fulfilling careers in these specialised areas that are critical for timber manufacturing,” Diana Hallam said.

ForestWorks CEO, Mike Radda said, “We’re proud to be involved in this pilot training trial. We know saw doctors and wood machinists are professions that are experiencing shortages of qualified personnel. It’s important that we provide the required training here in Australia for people who want to undertake it – as a dual option with importing these skills from overseas.”

“Australia’s forestry and timber sector is Australia’s 6^th largest manufacturing sector, drives the housing sector, and the need for our products will only get more important as the country and different industries look to decarbonise by using timber and wood-fibre. We need to attract more people to our growing sector to fill the variety of important vocations we need to function,” Diana Hallam said.

“This trial aims to make it easier for regional businesses to employ, train and retain skilled tradespeople. We are working to carefully identify industry needs, and to test a practical and pragmatic training solution including exploring the advantages of on-site employee training. AFPA will work with expert RTOs and businesses, in different states to make sure training is tailored and fit for purpose. 

“We are proud to be working in this space with trusted industry education partners and look forward to positive training outcomes and reduced skills shortages across the forestry and the timber sector,” Diana Hallam concluded.

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Source: AFPA