ForestWorks is contracted to undertake the role of an Industry Advisory Group (IAG) for the forest and wood products, pulp and paper and furnishing industries in Victoria. It is one of ten IAGs providing services as part of the Industry Engagement Framework which provides a structured way for stakeholders to inform and engage the training system in Victoria. The IAG has a formal role with the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) providing the VSA with advice and insights about skills needs as part of the State Government’s funded training system. Meeting four times a year, the IAG includes representatives from industry, unions and employers.

The ForestWorks VIC IAG assists the State Government by:

  • working with IAG members and broader industry stakeholders to provide insights and advice on skilling priorities and issues
  • working collaboratively with the VSA, membership groups and training providers to develop innovative solutions that address issues and priorities across the sector
  • working collaboratively with the VSA to deliver evidence-based data and insights on issues raised by stakeholders and IAG members
  • actively engaging in promoting the Government’s Workforce Training and Innovation Fund (WTIF), Regional Skills Training Fund (RSTF) and other funding streams as they are made available
  • supporting industry engagement through the relevant Department of Education and Training Victoria and other government department programs and policies as required
  • undertaking research in response to issues arising from IAG meetings and issues papers
  • providing secretariat support for IAG meetings alongside the VSA secretariat as required
  • undertaking other tasks to support industry engagement with the training system as requested by the VSA.

Responsibilities of the ForestWorks VIC IAG include a range of activities to identify industry needs and solutions for skills and workforce development. Collection of industry intelligence takes many forms, including:

  • formal consultation such as focus groups, industry sector advisory groups, site visits and web forums
  • conference and industry forum presentations
  • project work with cross-industry collaboration and partnerships.

In addition, the ForestWorks VIC IAG aids in the development of the following training packages:

Read more about the VIC IAG program.

Contact

Sarah Fitzpatrick, Executive Officer

For enquiries about the VIC IAG role, please get in touch with Sarah.
Email: sfitzpatrick@forestworks.com.au