TSDS fund now closed

The Tasmanian Training and Skills Development Service (TSDS) fund for training and workforce development planning has been well subscribed and as such has reached the limit of funding availability and is now closed.

Applicants wishing to change current approved projects must submit a change request, prior to undertaking the change, which will be assessed on its merit and availability of funding.

The project team invite applicants with current approved projects that are not going to proceed to withdraw these projects to allow the funds to be made available for other project changes.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact tsds@forestworks.com.au.

TSDS fund re-opening – 2 September 2019

The TSDS Steering Committee is pleased to announce that the TSDS fund will be open to new applications 9:00am (Tasmanian time) Monday 2 September 2019. Applications for a maximum of $20,000* in funding will be taken on a ‘first in, best dressed’ approach until limited funding has been fully allocated.

*Applications exceeding the $20,000 cap can still be accepted and will automatically be forwarded to the TSDS Steering Committee for assessment.

Guidelines

  • Applications open 9:00am (Tasmanian time) Monday 2 September 2019
  • Applications will only be accepted via email to tsds@forestworks.com.au
  • The email date stamp will be used as the guide for time of receipt
  • Applications received prior to opening date/time will not be accepted
  • Limited funding available
  • Applications capped at $20,000, however applications exceeding the $20,000 cap can still be accepted and will automatically be forwarded to the TSDS Steering Committee for assessment
  • Applications up to $20,000 will be assessed as per standard process – refer to existing TSDS Guidelines
  • Applicants may submit more than one application however they must be for distinct projects and lodged as separate emails
  • Applications received after the funding allocation made available in April 2019 (Round 3) were fully allocated will be considered this round
  • If applications require clarification or referral to the TSDS Steering Committee, the amount of funds will be quarantined until a decision is made. This may delay approvals for subsequently received applications.
  • If there are insufficient funds remaining for an application, the applicant will be advised that they can accept the remaining amount available. No other applications would be accepted until the applicant advised their intention.
  • An announcement will be made once the funding has been fully allocated.

For more information or assistance with an application please contact ForestWorks on 1800 177 001 or tsds@georgiana

TSDS fund re-opening – 10 April 2019

The TSDS Steering Committee is pleased to announce that the TSDS fund will be open to new applications 9:00am AEST Wednesday 10 April 2019. Applications for a maximum of $20,000 in funding will be taken on a ‘first in, best dressed’ approach until limited funding has been fully allocated.

Guidelines

  • Applications open 9:00am AEST Wednesday 10 April 2019
  • Applications will only be accepted via email to tsds@forestworks.com.au
  • The email date stamp will be used as the guide for time of receipt
  • Applications received prior to opening date/time will not be accepted
  • Limited funding available
  • Applications capped at $20,000
  • Applicants may submit more than one application however they must be for distinct projects and lodged as separate emails
  • Applications will be assessed as per standard process – refer to existing TSDS Guidelines
  • If applications require clarification or referral to the TSDS Steering Committee, the amount of funds will be quarantined until a decision is made. This may delay approvals for subsequently received applications.
  • If there are insufficient funds remaining for an application, the applicant will be advised that they can accept the remaining amount available. No other applications would be accepted until the applicant advised their intention.
  • An announcement will be made once the funding has been fully allocated.

For more information or assistance with an application please contact ForestWorks on 1800 177 001 or tsds@forestworks.com.au.

TSDS applications are on hold

The Tasmanian Training and Skills Development Service (TSDS) fund for training and workforce development planning has been well subscribed and as such is approaching the limit of funding availability.

In order to ensure appropriate and strategic allocation of remaining funds, decisions relating to new applications are on hold pending a review of the program to date. During this review period, applications will not be accepted as of 3:30 pm Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Interested parties may register an expression of interest to be notified if and when applications re-open however a notice to all providers and interested parties will be issued when appropriate.

The TSDS team will send a confirmation of receipt to all applicants that have submitted an application prior to the commencement of the hold.

Applicants wishing to change currently approved projects must submit a change request, prior to undertaking the change, which will be assessed on its merit and availability of funding.

The project team invite applicants with currently approved projects that are not going to proceed to withdraw these projects allow the funds to be made available for other projects.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact ForestWorks on 1800 177 001  or email tsds@forestworks.com.au.

Supporting industry to adjust to changing job requirements

tsds-picture

With advances in technology and new product development, job roles in our industry will continue to change. The Training and Skills Development Service recognised this challenge.

Tasmanian forest and timber industry workers and their employers could access funds to undertake training and develop their skills to meet the requirements of new job roles and responsibilities. This service also enabled workers to gain formal recognition for skills they had already gained.

Key outcomes of this service

  • Enterprises assisted to meet and respond, to emerging industry directions to support the rebuilding and growth
    of the Tasmanian Forest and Timber Products Industry.
  • Enterprises supported to increase their performance via a review of future enterprise development objectives, job roles, skills gaps and planning for skills development activity.
  • Employees in the forest and timber industry skilled up and engaged in learning to meet changing work environments and skills requirements.
  • The skills of existing employees are appropriately recognised.

“TSDS was very different to other funded training programs. It supported small businesses who were unlikely to have put their employees through training without funding support, it provided support for both accredited and non-accredited training that was beneficial to our industry, it was flexible to allow changes to be made as factors like COVID-19 and changing staff needs arose. These factors all contributed to 3,289 training places being taken up with an impressive 98% completion rate.”

Terry Edwards, Chair TSDS Steering Committee

For further details about eligibility requirements and the application process.

TSDS final report

ForestWorks has completed the TSDS scheme on behalf of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, guided by a Steering Committee derived from industry which ensured training was always well targeted to meet the requirements of the Tasmanian forest and forest products industry.

A final report has been produced that highlights the diversity of training Tasmanian workers have undertaken across the State and in every part of the industry.

Please click here to view the full report.

Further resources

Case Studies
For further information about past projects please see Case Studies

Industry Steering Committee

Forest Industries Association of TasmaniaTerry Edwards (Chair)
Sustainable Timber TasmaniaDavid White
Tasmanian Forest Contractors AssociationStacey Gardiner
Tasmanian Special Timbers AllianceAndrew Denman
CFMEU – Manufacturing DivisionDenise Campbell-Burns
Skills TasmaniaAlexis Wadsley
Department of State GrowthGraeme Nibbs (Observer)

The Tasmanian Training and Skills Development Service is funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to support the rebuilding and reskilling of the Tasmanian forest and timber industry.