Completed Projects

Explore projects ForestWorks has completed to support the industry and workforce. We are proud to have worked with a range of stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes for the forestry and forest products industry.

This project was established to identify a consistent national approach to managing pre-requisite skill requirements for the three manual tree felling units of competency at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback throughout the project, including on the draft report, proposed recommendations and the draft action plan, as well as those who participated in focus groups.

Your insights have helped shaped the final report, which was submitted to DEWR in November 2025. The report recommends redeveloping the three manual tree felling units to include statements on the skills learners must already possess before enrolment. These statements would be reinforced through an Evidence Guide detailing the types of evidence that candidates may present to demonstrate the required skills. The Evidence Guide, together with supporting resources, would be incorporated into a revised Companion Volume User Guide. In addition, the report recommends developing a national professional development program for trainers, assessors, compliance staff and careers advisers to support consistent application of the new approach. 

The report also includes a structured activity plan for these recommendations, covering unit redevelopment, production of the Evidence Guide and support materials, design and national rollout of the professional development program, and a review of its effectiveness.

Download the report
Learn more about the project progression process

This project piloted a solution to address one of the most significant barriers to manual tree-felling training: access to suitable trees for delivery of tree felling units of competency. Without access to trees, registered training organisations (RTOs) face challenges delivering practical training and assessment. This affects learner access, training consistency and workforce capability.
To address these challenges, the project developed a structured Tree Access Package, comprising a protocol, agreement and practical toolbox. The package provides a framework to support safe, consistent and scalable partnerships between RTOs and landowners/managers. These resources support a more coordinated approach to sourcing trees for training and assessment, providing greater certainty for stakeholders and improving access to practical training opportunities.
The protocol was developed in close partnership with RTOs, tree/landowners and managers, and other stakeholders, supported by legal advice from Minter Ellison. A Project Working Group representing arboriculture, forestry, emergency services and land management approved the protocol for testing. Pilot testing and implementation support activities helped refine the approach and ensure the final resources are practical, adaptable and informed by real-world experience.
Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback throughout the project, including during the pilot and implementation support phases.
The  final report presents a nationally relevant response to a long-standing challenge.

Resources available:
Download the Tree Access Package and supporting toolbox.
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Tree Access Toolbox
Tree Access Package

Download Tree Access Package
Learn more about the project progression process

This project has now been completed. The work undertaken through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative has resulted in a set of finalised resources that support improved safety outcomes for industry. All project outputs remain available for reference, and the completed materials can be accessed through the Resources tab.

You can view the final resources here:

Final Resources

If you have any questions about this project or the resources produced, please contact Louise Fitzpatrick, Project Manager, ForestWorks at lfitzpatrick@forestworks.com.au

The Log Haulage Manual supports the specific skills required to transport harvested timber safely. It outlines safety standards and best practices for: 

  • Load restraint 
  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Transporting forestry logs and produce

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has developed the Forestry Log Haulage – Industry Code of Practice.

Learn more details and watch videos

From 1 July 2024, ForestWorks will no longer accept applications to create a new FOLS, renew a FOLS, add skills to a FOLS or replace a lost plastic card.

ForestWorks has been maintaining the FOLS skills verification program on behalf of industry since 2014. This program has been performing the same function of state-based forest operator licensing schemes supported by local legislation. However, over the past nine years, it has been in continual decline. It is now time to cease taking on new applicants or renew users.

Therefore, ForestWorks is taking the following steps:

  • From 1 July 2024, ForestWorks will no longer accept applications to create a new FOLS, renew a FOLS, add skills to a FOLS or replace a lost plastic card.
  • ForestWorks will continue to maintain archives of the website data so that users of the system can access their records and generate reports.
  • ForestWorks will honour written requests for skills and training evidence, which will be returned via email.
  • The FOLS skills verification program will be discontinued by 30 June 2027 and all user data will be deleted at that time.

ForestWorks will be working with all forest managers that use the system to let them know what is happening. The forest managers will be responsible for establishing new policies and procedures for their contractors and employees and communicating their new requirements.

Chainsaw tree felling is a critical skill in forestry, agriculture, arboriculture, and emergency events like storms, cyclones and bushfires. These skills are essential for removing trees in locations or positions that make the use of large machinery unviable.

Three units of competency outline the skills required for tree felling using a chainsaw at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Some training providers have indicated that the number of trees required to demonstrate felling skills in each unit has an impact on their ability to deliver training. This is because finding trees for training and assessment can be difficult outside of a forestry environment. It is essential that these units remain accessible, yet ensure safe, confident skills application.

In 2022, the tree felling units were reviewed to increase training accessibility. However, additional feedback suggests a need to revisit these units to ensure safety and competence of all learners. This project will re-evaluate the number of trees needed for each skill level and identify additional safety and competency support measures.

Updates were made to three tree felling units at a basic, intermediate and advanced level to support safety and competence of learners and reduce barriers to training. For more information about the project and its outcomes, please visit the project’s webpage on the Skills Insight website.  

The revised units were endorsed by the Skills Ministers on 23 April 2024 and published on the National Training Register, Opens in new tab on 26 April 2024.

Units reviewed:

Project timeline:

  • Consultation Phase: August – November 2023
  • Finalisation & Endorsement: December 2023 – April 2024

Contact Information:

Supporting industry to adjust to changing job requirements

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With advances in technology and new product development, job roles in the Tasmanian forest and timber industry continue to change. The Training and Skills Development Service recognised this challenge, giving workers and employers access to 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.

ForestWorks completed the TSDS scheme on behalf of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, guided by a Steering Committee derived from industry to ensure 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.

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

Download the TSDS Final Report

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 was funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to support the rebuilding and reskilling of the Tasmanian forest and timber industry. and timber industry.

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@forestworks.com.au

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.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact ForestWorks on 1800 177 001  or email 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

The Northern Territory and Ord Valley Forestry Hub contracted ForestWorks to conduct research on the current and future skills and training needs of the forest industry within the Hub’s geographic area.

This area includes the northern part of the Northern Territory and the Ord Valley region of Western Australia.

The research drew on data and information gathered through desktop research, as well as interviews with industry businesses and training providers, and input from industry support organisations. The result was a report providing recommendations, which can be used by the Northern Territory and Ord Valley Forestry Hub and government to guide their decision-making.

The project commenced in October 2022 and ForestWorks submitted the completed report to the Northern Territory and Ord Valley Forestry Hub in February 2023.

Download the Report

Proudly funded by the Commonwealth Government and the NT Government.

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  • NT-Gov-Logo

Conducted for the Northern Territory and Ord Valley Forestry Hub, NT Farmers and Forestry Industry Association Northern Territory.

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The South and Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub engaged ForestWorks to conduct a regional study to assess the current and future skills and training requirements of the forestry and wood products industry.

Specifically, this study identified workforce gaps, skill needs and training opportunities for future success in the industry, as well as challenges in attracting and recruiting workers.

This information was intended to support the south and central Queensland forestry industry with its current and future goals and support the growth of a trained and safe workforce through the implementation of appropriate strategies in partnership with training organisations.

The project also examined the operating model and benefits of establishing a training and career hub for the forest and timber industry in south and central Queensland.

The research drew on consultation with relevant industry stakeholders, as well as desktop research. The result was a report providing recommendations to guide the decision-making of the South and Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub and government.

The project commenced in October 2022 and was completed in March 2023.

Download the Report

This project represented the second stage in the development of a workforce plan for the forestry industry in the Wide Bay region.

Led by industry stakeholders in collaboration with Timber Queensland and Jobs Queensland, the project aimed to collect information and provide a comprehensive analysis of population, workforce, and labour market conditions in the Wide Bay region. It also aimed to identify challenges and opportunities in training and employment needs for the forestry industry in this region.

The study was conducted between November and October 2023, and the data was primarily sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Jobs Queensland, Skills and Training Needs Analysis report by the Forestry Hub and a strategic industry workshop conducted in Gympie in May of the same year.

Key Findings for the Wide Bay Region

Demographic and Employment Trends

  • Aging Population: A future reduction in the available workforce and potential labour shortages are predicted due to an aging population.
  • Underutilised Workforce: The Wide Bay region has the second-lowest participation rate in employment among the working-age population when compared to other regions in Queensland.
  • Youth Unemployment: There is a concerning trend of high youth unemployment rates in the region.
  • Economic Vulnerabilities: The region has seen slight population growth but faces economic vulnerabilities, including lower median income compared to the state average.

Opportunities

  • Target Age Group 35-44: The employment rate for this age group is notably lower than the younger and older age groups, suggesting opportunities for targeted recruitment.
  • Skills and Trades Focus: A strong need exists for skilled and trade workers, prompting the need for increased investment in vocational education and training programs.
  • Regional Development: The Queensland Government’s commitment to economic development in the region offers a promising context for the future.

Key Findings for the Forestry Industry in Wide Bay

Employment Data

  • Significant Role: The Wide Bay region accounts for nearly a quarter of the total forestry workforce in Queensland.
  • Sector Dominance: Timber processing is the largest sector in this region.

Workforce Composition

  • Aging Workforce: Succession planning is a growing necessity.
  • Educational Attainment: A lower percentage of the forestry workforce has a Diploma or a higher degree when compared to the broader working population.

Training and Skill Development

  • Skill Development Framework: Various training opportunities exist but suffer from a lack of suitable providers.

Themes for the Next Stage of Workforce Development Plan

  • Future Skills Needs: The industry is growing, requiring new skills to meet future demands. Page 41 of the report details the skills needed to meet industry growth, forming the basis for further discussions.
  • Attraction and Retention: Factors affecting these include competition from other sectors, public perception, and a lack of early education focus on forestry.
  • Barriers to Employment: Notably, the absence of a strong work ethic and genuine interest in the industry among candidates.
  • Training Opportunities and Challenges: The report highlights gaps in training services, limited focus by training providers, a reliance on workplace trainers, and a lack of forestry-specific curriculum in TAFE Queensland.
Download the Report

The following training package projects for the forest, wood and timber industry and pulp and paper industry have now been finalised.

The revised qualifications, skill sets, units and companion volumes that were developed as part of these projects are published on training.gov.au and available for delivery by registered training organisations (RTOs).
Further details about individual projects are available below.

Forest, Wood and Timber Industry

The qualifications, skill sets and units for the forest, wood and timber industry have been grouped under the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package, along with a Companion Volume to assist RTOs with implementation.

Please see below for a list of completed projects within the training package.

As the sawmilling and timber processing sectors undergo rapid digital transformation and technical progress, new skills are being developed to work with new technology and products. This has required operators, line technicians, and production supervisors to develop updated expertise, to support quality processes, problem solve and perform some types of equipment maintenance. Skills are also required in communication, decision making and teamwork, as well as in supporting work health and safety and the environment. As part of this project, qualifications, skill sets and units of competency for timer and wood production have been redeveloped to be more flexible in structure and reflect the practical skills required. The Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations has been updated to offer specialisations in timber production, glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production, plywood or laminated veneer lumber production, or reconstituted wood panel production. The Certificate IV Timber and Wood Products Operations has been updated to support future production supervisors and technicians with the skills necessary to manage technical operations, production issues, performance, equipment maintenance, and quality and safety requirements of a timber or wood products operation. Eight skill sets have also been developed to further enhance flexibility and serve as entry pathways into critical jobs, such as saw technicians and wood machinists, and programs to train future leaders. The final draft qualifications, skill sets and units have been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and will now be forwarded to State and Territory Skills Ministers for approval.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The updated qualifications, skill sets and units were be published on the national training register (training.gov.au) within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

The Federal Government’s Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements brought attention to how forestry operators, arborists and other service providers play a crucial role in clearing and clean-up following bushfires. This is a high-risk activity that requires skills in communication and making rapid assessments about tree health and potentiation hazards. Guided by a group of subject matter experts made up of workplace and industry experts, units were developed as part of this project to support safer and more efficient post-bushfire vegetation clearing and clean-up operations. The units developed describe how to use communication protocols and structures while conducting tasks in a bushfire zone and how to perform tree hazard assessment according to national standards. In addition, four units for chainsaw operations were revised  so that they can be delivered and assessed by non-forestry sectors without changing the learning outcomes. The final draft units have been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and will now be forwarded to State and Territory Skills Ministers for approval.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The updated and developed units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

New entrants to the forestry industry are needed to keep up with demand for forest products and deliver on government commitments to plant more trees. Local and global markets continue to seek out a range of products, from new wood-fibre based plastic alternatives to the softwood used to build new homes. Meeting this demand in a sustainable way is a key focus of industry and governments, with the Australian Federal Government committed to planting a billion trees over the next decade, in addition to the 70 million trees already planted each year. As a result of this project, industry now has access to updated national entry level qualifications that better support learners’ career paths and reflect practical skills. Four qualifications at the AQF level 2 and 3 were consolidated into one qualification at each level, resulting in a Certificate II in Forest Operations and a Certificate III in Forest Operations, with specialisations in forest nursery production, silviculture and timber harvesting and haulage.

Skill sets and units were developed to support career pathways and address skills gaps. Existing skill sets and units were revised to reflect job roles and work tasks and to improve learning outcomes.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The qualifications, skill sets and units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 28 January 2022, within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Skilled management, supervision and planning are integral skills for growing sustainable forests for timber, wood and fibre products. High level expertise is required for maintaining safe work practices, improving forest health, optimising forest management practices And working with the latest technology. As a result of this project, the Diploma of Forest and Forest Products and Certificate IV in Forest Operations which support high level forestry skills have been updated so that industry can access the skills it needs to lead it into the future. Thanks to everyone involved in this project, forest operations supervisors, forest contractor business managers and early career foresters have access to updated, industry-developed, practically focused and flexibly structured qualifications. Two qualifications, the Diploma of Forest and Forest Products and Certificate IV in Forest Operations, were reviewed to support the current skills requirements of the forest industry and provide a flexible structure for learners. Forty-six units of competency underwent minor adjustments and updates. Sixteen units were developed to address skills gaps related to management systems, forest resource management and forest operations management. Some units and qualifications were merged or deleted to reflect skills needs and streamline delivery.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The qualifications, skill sets and units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 28 January 2022, within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The revised qualifications, skill sets and units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) in within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Forest harvesting and haulage contractors work in remote areas, requiring a safety mindset that accounts for the impact of an isolated working environment, including the implications for mental health and the fact that some areas may not be easily accessed by rescue teams.  Leadership skills are essential to reinforce safe practices and promote and shape a safety culture in the workforce. As a result of the contributions made to this project, the forest industry has access to national skills standards that will help foster a safety culture and practices among workers in remote forest operations. Two units were developed which describe the skills and knowledge required to apply situational awareness and a safety mindset while working in team situations or alone, in isolation or out of line of sight.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 28 January 2022, within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Timber trusses and frames play an essential role in many modern homes and other buildings, as a key structural element supporting the weight of the building, as well as roofing including solar, air conditioning or hot water units, and providing surfaces for a wide range of cladding technologies. It is the responsibility of timber systems fabricators and designers (estimators) to work together to produce structurally sound trusses and frames for building construction. While the roles of timber systems designers and fabricators both require the ability to read plans, work as a team, and follow appropriate health and safety practices, distinct skills are needed for each position. Industry has driven this project to review the current skills standards for timber truss and frame estimating and manufacture so that they reflect the distinct skills requirements for job roles in Australia. This has resulted in the update of three qualifications and 25 units of competency and the development of five new skill sets and one new unit of competency. They have been updated to broaden entry requirements and improve consistency.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The reviewed and developed skills standards were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 4 December 2020 within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Construction businesses and individual consumers alike are dependent on the expertise of the timber supply industry for facilitating advisory and sales services specific to timber. Providing an integral step in the supply chain, timber supply businesses require their employees to have skills in timber advice, customer service, sales, purchasing, and managing sales accounts. Just as important in carrying out this work is knowledge of different timber types, along with technical skills to measure and cut wood, and correct practices for storage, dispatch and transport of goods. As a result of the project, an updated qualification will support all specialist jobs in the timber building supply sector from timber yard and warehouse operators to transport and dispatch coordinators and customer advisors and sales officers. It enables specialisations in timber warehousing, logistics, or customer advice and sales.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The reviewed and developed skills standards were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 4 December 2020 within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

The updated qualifications, skill sets and units were be published on the national training register (training.gov.au) within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

The forestry industry is becoming safer, more environmentally sustainable and more productive thanks to the use of new technologies such as digital maps, forest operation plans, and new harvesting systems. Mapping and evaluating forests is increasing in efficiency and accuracy as a result of drones and remote sensing methods. Developments in techniques for cable logging and tethered harvesting mean a higher degree of safety and efficiency when working on steep slopes. As a result of consultation throughout this project, the skills needed to perform harvesting activities using new technologies were captured in five new units of competency. The project also reviewed and updated 25 units across the forest harvesting sector, so that they are up to date with current work practices, safety standards, and equipment. They also reflect the skills required by harvesting machine operators who are involved in winch assisted harvesting and forestry site preparation on steep slopes. The skills needed to use chainsaws within a tree when conducting tree trimming or dismantling work were also defined.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

These reviewed and developed skills standards were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 4 December 2020, within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

The timber processing industry is part of a sophisticated and integrated supply chain whose products are in strong demand from the Australian housing construction industry. Technological advancements and market demands have had a significant impact on how jobs are performed in the sector, particularly for wood machinists and saw technicians (traditionally known as saw doctors). As a result of the project and the numerous industry representatives who volunteered their time and expertise, the qualifications which underpin apprenticeships in wood machining, saw technology and wood processing have been updated to reflect current practices, equipment and terminology. As these skills are relevant across the sector, this project took place in conjunction with the Sawmill Timber and Process Optimisation Project.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The reviewed and developed skills standards were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Virtually all job roles in large softwood sawmills are expected to integrate principles of timber and process optimisation to maximise the overall volume and value of timber recovery. In recent years, new job roles have also emerged in the softwood processing sector, such as optimisation managers and optimisation technicians. These roles focus on process improvement across an enterprise’s operations, using optimisation software to process information from a range of scanning technologies. In order to help the timber industry adapt to these changes, units of competency have been developed and revised to support production efficiencies in sawmills. As these skills are relevant across the sector, this project took place in conjunction with the Advances in Wood Machining and Sawdoctoring Project.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The reviewed and developed skills standards were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Growing building construction activity and use of timber as the dominant structural material has been a notable driver for timber products demand, particularly the new generation of engineered wood products – cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam. Capital investments in new processing and manufacturing plants for CLT and glulam have also increased, requiring a workforce with specific skills to operate machines and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment and to manage different stages of the production processes. Industry was consulted throughout this project to review and update 21 units of competency relating to CLT and glulam production, to incorporate the skills and knowledge that are required to operate machinery and accurately describe all job functions.  Four new units were also developed in conjunction with the Prefabricated Timber Building Systems Project, in the area of design, manufacture and installation of prefabricated timber building systems, involving Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam among other components.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The final units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 18 December 2018 within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

To keep up with strong demand for building materials, the forest and wood products industry has been innovating new products and processes, such as panelised building systems and updated manufacturing processes As a result, industry requires updated skills, including to operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment, use tools for on-site product installation, manage prefabrication processes and provide advice regarding product conformance. Industry were consulted throughout this project to review and update units of competency for timber truss and frame design and manufacture to reflect these emerging industry skill requirements, including prefabrication of panelised building systems, so that all job functions are accurately described. Four new units were also developed in the area of design, manufacture and installation of prefabricated timber building systems, in conjunction with the Cross Laminated Timber Building Systems Project.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The final units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 18 December 2018, within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package version 4. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Advances in optimisation technology are offering the opportunity for forestry operations to be more productive and efficient and to minimise the amount of waste produced in the process. Industry identified the need for this project to update the skills standards for forest harvest optimisation so that they are in line with recent technological improvements. As a result, two new units of competency for the use of on-board optimisation systems and computers in mechanical harvesting were developed. Ten existing units were also reviewed and updated to reflect technological change and to incorporate best practice principles in forest harvest operations.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The revised qualifications, skill sets and units were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) in within the FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

Pulp and Paper Industry

The skills standards and qualifications for the pulp and paper industry have been grouped under the PPM Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Training Package, along with a Companion Volume, to assist RTOs with the implementation.

Please see below for a list of completed projects within the training package

The pulp and paper industry produces many essential goods used across a variety of settings, from households, offices, and public buildings to hospitals, medical practices and food outlets. A commitment to improving the sustainability of the industry has seen innovations in areas such as bioenergy, biomass and biodegradable packaging. As industry adopts new technologies and comes up with new products in response to consumer preferences, the skills required for this work are changing. This project comprised an update of all qualifications, skill sets and units of competency within the PPM Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry Training Package. The qualifications were redesigned and merged from seven to four, so that there is one qualification at each Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level, reflecting current job roles and supporting learners to develop a broad understanding of plant operations. Problem solving skills, work health and safety, and quality assurance skills were included as core skills across all qualifications. Common skills standards across production were identified and 23 units merged into 11. Skills for operating emerging technologies were incorporated into existing units. Some new units and skill sets were developed to address skills for entering the industry, working in management or overseeing roles, and for working with technologies involved in de-inking operations. Units and skill sets were deleted where the skills standards could be better met by a new or existing unit or skill set.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The updated qualifications, skill sets and units of competency were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 11 February 2022, within the PPM Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.

High level skills are required for safely working at a pulp and paper manufacturing site, including skills for working with hazardous chemicals, extreme heat and steam, and large machinery. Many pulp and paper manufacturing sites are recognised by Worksafe Australia as major hazard facilities. It is crucial that the training package reflects the requirements set out to maintain that licence, as well as the regulations and codes of practice set out in other legislation. Consultation took place throughout this project to review and update units of competency so that they reflect workplace health and safety requirements for working in major hazard facilities and for a range of specialist paper making and pulping processes.

For detailed information, visit the project webpage.

The final qualifications, skill sets and units of competency were published on the national training register (training.gov.au) on 24 October 2018, within the PPM Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry Training Package version 2. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs) along with the Companion Volume Implementation Guides.