This theme includes four projects focused on enhancing training infrastructure. Key initiatives include the development of a training demand aggregation tool and the creation of virtual communities for workforce development. Additionally, the projects aim to strengthen connections between the forestry industry and the vocational education and training (VET) and tertiary education sectors by appointing National Workforce Development Managers and improving access to graduate diplomas and certificates for forestry operations.
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Virtual Networks and Community of Practice for Industry Workforce Development
This project establishes and maintains a national virtual network to support workforce development in the forestry industry.
This online community will serve as a hub for industry professionals to connect, learn, collaborate, share resources and ideas, and engage in ongoing training and development activities.
Initially, it will include participants from various pilot projects of the Forestry Workforce Training Program.
Pilot Regions
- NATIONAL – All Regions
Pilot Sectors
- All Sectors
Activities
Engage with Skills Insight JSC to explore opportunities for collaboration on virtual communities for the forestry sector and RTOs, ensuring our efforts complement rather than duplicate their work.
Involve program sub-contractors, pilot participants, and industry representatives in the Virtual Community. Recruit and onboard members to actively participate in the community.
Facilitate regular sessions and encourage participation in other related activities, using the Virtual Community as a testing ground for new ideas and initiatives.
Develop a strategy for maintaining the virtual networks in the long term.
Prepare a final report on the overall project for broader accessibility.
Timeline
| Detailed Work Plan | December 2024 |
| Onboarding Schedule and Initial Member List | March 2025 |
| Engagement Records | June 2025 / Sep 2025 Dec 2026 / Mar 2026 |
| Long-Term Maintenance Strategy | May 2026 |
| Final Report | May 2026 |
Related Projects
This project is not expected to depend on or affect any other projects.
Partners
- Skills Insight JSC
Project Coordinator
[Name]
Project Manager
projectmanager@forestworks.com.au
T: [Phone Number]
Demand Aggregation Tool for Industry Training Needs
This pilot project aims to create a “demand aggregation” model and tool that will help RTOs understand the total training needs of the forestry industry for specific job functions and activities in different regions and sectors.
The tool will provide a centralised platform where training demand can be recorded, shared, and accessed by industry stakeholders and RTOs, ensuring that training programs align with actual industry needs.
Pilot Regions
- NATIONAL – All Regions
Pilot Sectors
- All Sectors
Activities
Identify the requirements and features for a training demand aggregation tool in consultation with relevant stakeholders and develop its specifications.
Develop the outline infrastructure for the demand aggregation tool.
Work closely with Program and pilot participants to populate and actively use the demand aggregation tool.
Prepare a report detailing the project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future use and maintenance.
Prepare a final report on the overall project for broader accessibility.
Timeline
| Detailed Workplan | December 2024 |
| Operational Online Demand Aggregation Tool | March 2025 |
| Populated Demand Aggregation Tool | March 2026 |
| Long-Term Use and Maintenance Plan | May 2026 |
| Final Report | May 2026 |
Related Projects
This project is not expected to depend on or affect any other projects.
Partners
- Larkscape or Go-To-Market (Web Developer)
Project Coordinator
[Name]
Project Manager
projectmanager@forestworks.com.au
T: [Phone Number]
Enhancing Industry and VET Engagement through National Workforce Development Managers
This pilot project aims to strengthen the connection between the forestry industry and the VET and higher education system by appointing two National Workforce Development Managers (WDMs).
These managers will focus on increasing the uptake of training across forest operations and wood processing and timber building products, using the resources available through the Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP) and national structures.
Pilot Regions
- NATIONAL – All Regions
Pilot Sectors
- All Sectors
Activities
Prepare detailed position descriptions, role specifications, and an operating budget for the National Workforce Development Managers.
Recruit and onboard the WDMs and have them start working on and according to an approved work plan. This may include organising any necessary placements or secondments.
Develop a detailed work plan, outlining activities, timelines, responsibilities, and milestones.
Establish a system for regular updates on the activities and progress.
Collect and analyse data on project outcomes.
Prepare engagement progress and final reports that include findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future initiatives.
Prepare a final report on the overall project for broader accessibility
Timeline
| Position Descriptions | October 2024 |
| Recruitment/ Placement/Secondment Agreement | November 2024 |
| Work Plan | December 2024 |
| Engagement Progress and Final Reports | Mar 2025 / Jun 2025 / Sep 2025 / Dec 2025 Mar 2025 |
| Final Report | May 2026 |
Related Projects
This project is not expected to depend on or affect any other projects.
Partners
- Not Applicable
Project Coordinator
[Name]
Project Manager
projectmanager@forestworks.com.au
T: [Phone Number]
Enhancing Industry Tertiary Education
This project will appoint a Tertiary Workforce Development Manager (WDM) to enhance engagement and collaboration with tertiary providers to address the industry’s training needs.
The WDM will be responsible for supporting the recruitment and onboarding of tertiary candidates, developing and implementing arrangements with other institutions, employers and candidates, coordinating and promoting tertiary learning activities, creating consistent communication materials, including case studies, and helping to establish a sustainable model for self-sufficient tertiary education in the industry. Additionally, the WDT will participate in the national network of industry trainers and assessors.
Pilot Regions
- NATIONAL – All Regions
Pilot Sectors
- Forest growing & management
- Harvesting & haulage
Activities
Prepare detailed position descriptions, role specifications, and an operating budget for the WDM.
Recruit and onboard the WDM and have them start working on and according to an approved work plan. This may include organising any necessary placements or secondments.
Develop a detailed work plan, outlining activities, timelines, responsibilities, and milestones.
Develop supporting materials to facilitate coordination of tertiary learning by multiple participants from diverse sites and situations.
Develop promotional and communication materials to support participation in tertiary learning activities.
Develop a durable operational and financial model to re-establish self-sufficiency in industry tertiary education.
Promote opportunities in tertiary education within the forest industries, including for those in existing operational roles.
Collect and analyse data on project outcomes.
Prepare progress and final reports that include findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future initiatives.
Prepare a final report on the overall project for broader accessibility.
Timeline
| Position Description | October 2024 |
| Appointed WTP | November 2024 |
| Work Plan | December 2024 |
| Outreach Strategy | March 2025 |
| Resources Developed | June 2025 |
| Engagement Progress and Final Reports | Jun 2025 / Sep 2025 Dec 2026 / Mar 2026 |
| Long-Term Operational Plan | May 2026 |
| Final Report | May 2026 |
Related Projects
This project is not expected to depend on or affect any other projects.
Partners
- University of Tasmania
Project Coordinator
[Name]
Workforce Development Manager
wdm@forestworks.com.au
T: [Phone Number]