What will forestry jobs look like in 20 years? New research aims to find out.
Automation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing are reshaping workforces around the world. For Australia’s forestry, timber and wood products sector, these global trends are intersecting with industry-specific challenges and opportunities, including changing timber demand, climate adaptation, sustainability requirements and regional demographic shifts.
Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), a new ForestWorks project will examine how these trends could reshape jobs, skills, workforce demand and training needs across the forestry, timber and wood products sector over the next two decades, with a particular focus on the Green Triangle region.
It will also assess the Green Triangle’s workforce strengths, risks and capability gaps, helping identify practical actions for government, industry and training providers to prepare for future workforce needs.
ForestWorks will undertake desktop research, drawing on Australian and international evidence to better understand emerging workforce trends and future industry scenarios. Findings and recommendations will then be tested through consultation with regional employers, industry bodies, registered training organisations and PIRSA.
A working draft will be released for stakeholder feedback in the week commencing 16 November 2026. Submissions will close on 4 December, with an online validation session to be held later in December. The final report and presentation pack are scheduled for completion and release in January 2027.
The project will deliver an evidence-based roadmap to help the region attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce needed to support a competitive forestry and wood products industry into the future.
Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses over the coming months.
