Project Description
This project develops and promotes modern, technology-focused training programs for the forestry and wood processing industry that students can begin while still in school.
The aim is to equip young people with the digital technology and work-readiness skills needed to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven industry, while providing a clear pathway from school to employment.
Early engagement with schools and young learners through future-focused training programs also helps build awareness and interest in forestry careers, strengthening recruitment pipelines across the sector.
Timeline
March 2025 – June 2027
Lead Organisation
Led by Timber Queensland and delivered by TAFE Gippsland, TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick.
Contact
Diana Saunders
Project Manager | Timber Queensland
diana@timberqueensland.com.au
Kaye Tyter
Workforce Development Manager | ForestWorks
ktyter@forestworks.com.au
Future-Focused Training For a New Generation of Job-Ready, Tech-Savvy Forestry Workers
Timber Queensland is leading the development of a new training program designed to introduce school students and young people to the technologies shaping today’s timber industry. The program aims to provide participants with foundational exposure to current and emerging digital technologies, as well as workplace readiness, health and safety awareness, and problem-solving capabilities.
Why It Matters
For employers in forestry and wood processing, the shift to digital technologies is well underway. Automated harvesters, drones, GPS systems, and AI tools are now standard across operations, making tech literacy an essential skill, not an option.
This project addresses the growing need to equip young people with the practical digital and operational skills needed to enter forestry and timber processing confidently. It focuses on building job-ready learners who understand the industry, work safely, and can contribute to innovation from day one. Early engagement with schools and learners through future-focused training programs also raises awareness and interest in forestry careers, supporting stronger recruitment pipelines.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Key Insights
Timber Queensland brought together a cross-industry group including major forestry and timber processing businesses and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Insights were gathered across several key themes, directly informing the design of the proposed training model.
Defining a Tech-Literate Learner
Stakeholders agreed that a tech-literate learner in the forestry and timber context should demonstrate:
- Basic industry awareness and preparedness – understanding sector operations, workplace expectations, and safety.
- Foundational digital literacy – including digital technology and AI fundamentals.
- An innovation mindset – grasping concepts of modern manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Training Content and Skill Development
Key findings from the consultations highlighted the need for:
- Broad foundational skills – before learners specialise, they must build general competencies applicable across the sector.
- Balanced hard and soft skills – interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution must complement technical training.
- Dedicated innovation modules – especially relevant in manufacturing, where continuous improvement is central to operations.
Partnerships and Support Networks
Successful implementation depends on strong, formal links between:
- Industry
- Schools
- Learners
- Trainers.
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of adequate funding and time to build these relationships.
Safe Skill Acquisition
Stakeholders discussed the need to avoid workplace-based assessments that expose learners to operational risks, and recommended:
- Using simulators and VR technologies to develop skills in controlled environments.
- Designing programs that balance real-world and virtual learning to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Proposed Training Model – Two Streams of Job-Ready, Tech-Savvy Forestry Training
The proposed training model features stackable micro-credentials across two distinct streams: Forestry Operations and Timber Production.
Each micro-credential is aligned with national qualifications and tailored to meet the specific needs of different parts of the industry.
These micro-credentials can be completed individually (for example, at various stages of a participant’s career) or as part of the full Certificate II in Forestry Operations or Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations.
Successful completion of all micro-credentials in the Forestry Operations or Timber Production stream provides the necessary learning and units to achieve the generalist stream of these qualifications.
Each stream includes four core micro-credentials:
- Industry Awareness – Understanding sector operations and roles.
- Workplace Readiness – Safety, environmental, and cultural protocols.
- Continuous Improvement – Problem-solving and quality systems.
- Digital Technology – Using drones, simulators, CNC machines, and data tools.
The model supports flexible learning and skill recognition, with options for specialisation and future integration of AI-focused content.
Next Steps: Preparing for Pilot Launch in 2026
The project is currently in the final stages of development, with the following activities underway through to December 2025:
- Collaborate with Skills Insight to endorse the proposed skill sets nationally and update training packages.
- Identify target regions, schools, and industry partners for pilot delivery.
- Develop or adapt training materials to support pilot implementation.
Employers interested in participating in the pilot or shaping the final training model are encouraged to get involved.
For questions or to express interest in participating, please contact the Project Lead, Diana Saunders, diana@timberqueensland.com.au.
Future-Ready Skills Pathways for School Students and New Entrants in Forestry and Wood Processing
To support a modern, technology‑focused workforce for the forestry and wood processing industry, this project is developing training programs that can begin while learners are still at school, and can also support post‑school new entrants as a pathway into employment.
Successful implementation depends on strong links between schools, employers, learners and trainers.
We are inviting:
- Employers across the forestry and wood products industry to register interest in hosting students and/or potential new entrants (e.g., site visits, mentoring, placements, traineeships where available).
- High schools interested in partnering with industry and training providers to deliver the program while students are still at school, building awareness of forestry and wood processing careers.
- School students and potential new entrants to the industry who want to build digital/technology capability and workplace readiness for an increasingly tech‑driven industry, with a clearer pathway to employment.
This program is funded by the Australian Government under the Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP) and is delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, TAFE Gippsland, and Timber Training Creswick.
Training Focus Areas
This training program supports the development of transferable skills valued across forestry, timber, and related sectors.
It focuses on developing job‑ready learners who:
- Understand the industry, roles and workplace expectations (industry awareness)
- Work safely and follow environmental and cultural protocols (workplace readiness)
- Can contribute to improvement through problem‑solving and quality systems (continuous improvement)
- Have foundational digital capability and exposure to the technologies shaping the sector (digital technology).
The proposed model features stackable micro‑credentials across two streams: Forestry Operations and Timber Production. Micro‑credentials can be completed individually (for example, at different stages of a participant’s pathway) or combined toward the full Certificate II in Forestry Operations or Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations.
How to Participate
- Select the modules relevant to your workforce needs or individual development goals (use the module links provided on this webpage).
- Register by 27 March 2026 using the forms below.
- After registrations close, we will contact you to confirm the next steps. Final course delivery will be determined by registration numbers, locations, participant mix and available funding.
Note: An EOI application does not mean automatic enrolment or confirmed course delivery.
Funding is limited. Places will be allocated until available funds are exhausted.
Employer (Host) EOI Registration Form
For employers who can host or support learners (e.g., workplace visits, mentoring, placements and/or traineeships where available).
School Partner EOI Registration Form
For secondary schools that are interested in partnering with local employers and training providers to deliver the program for students.
Individual Participant EOI Registration Form
For school students and new entrants who want to participate in the program (parent/guardian consent may be required for under‑18s).
Need support selecting modules?
For guidance on choosing the most suitable micro-credentials (including how modules can contribute towards qualifications), contact Kaye Tyter at ktyter@forestworks.com.au
For project and pilot enquiries, contact Diana Saunders (Project Manager | Timber Queensland) at diana@timberqueensland.com.au.
Pathways
Transferable workplace-readiness skills + tech/digital literacy
These micro-credentials can be used to engage school students and other new entrants, providing practical digital and operational skills needed to enter the industry with confidence.
Training Delivery Method and Timeline
Components of the training will be delivered partially online through a Learning Management System (LMS), with learning accessed virtually, including via ForestEdu’s Moodle platform, alongside supported activities such as workshops, site visits and practical learning opportunities where appropriate.
The delivery sequence and training schedule for 2026–2027 will be finalised based on registration numbers and the range of participant roles and learning needs.
Note: An EOI application does not mean automatic enrolment or confirmed course delivery.
