Project 3. Flexible Micro-Credential Delivery Models for Women and Underrepresented Groups in the Industry

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Project Description

This project pilots flexible delivery methods for micro-credential programs to boost participation among women and other underrepresented groups in the forestry and timber industries, including First Nations Australians.

The micro-credentials will be delivered in blended formats, combining online and in-person learning to accommodate different needs and schedules. Flexible delivery approaches make participation more accessible and support successful outcomes for all learners.

Timeline

March 2025 – June 2027

Lead Organisation

Led and delivered by TAFE Gippsland, with support from TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick

Contact

Paul Clerks
Manager and Education Projects | TAFE Gippsland
pclerks@tafegippsland.edu.au

Kaye Tyter
Workforce Development Manager – Stakeholder Engagement
ktyter@forestworks.com.au

Flexible Micro-Credential Delivery Models

TAFE Gippsland is leading work to identify and trial flexible approaches for delivering micro-credentials to women and other underrepresented groups, including First Nations Australians, across the forestry and timber industry.

The project is testing an online learning delivery model for the TAESS00028 Work Skill Instructor Skill Set, which can be extended to combine online and in-person learning. This model accommodates different schedules, responsibilities, and learning preferences, making it easier for participants to engage, complete training, and succeed.

Why It Matters

Women and First Nations Australians remain significantly underrepresented in the forestry and wood products industry. Traditional training models often fail to meet their needs due to rigid schedules, geographic isolation, caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of culturally responsive support. By tailoring training to the lived realities of underrepresented learners, the project supports broader workforce participation and equity in the industry.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Key Insights

Through consultations with industry employers, training organisations, First Nations advisors, and women working in the sector, TAFE Gippsland heard a consistent message: to support women and First Nations participants, training must be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to real-life circumstances.

These insights are shaping the design and delivery of the pilot micro-credential programs—a series of short, stackable skill sets that can be completed online or through blended learning, allowing participants to balance training with work and personal commitments.

Delivery Format Matters

Traditional face-to-face training, such as full-day sessions held weekly over long periods, is often difficult for women to attend due to work and personal commitments.

Feedback shows a clear preference for online, blended, and short-format options, particularly:

  • Short-format sessions held on Fridays or in the evenings (6–9 pm)
  • Self-paced online components that offer greater flexibility and accessibility.
Support Structures Are Essential

Access to mentors, peer support, and culturally aware trainers significantly improves engagement and completion.

Affordability Is Key

While Free TAFE initiatives help with enrolment costs, time off work, and loss of income remain barriers for casual workers.

Micro-Credentials Are Effective

Skill sets offer a practical starting point for women to enter training roles without committing to full qualifications upfront.

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:

  • Finalise the proposed, adapted, flexible delivery model and develop supportive resources for piloting, based on consultation feedback. The pilot will deliver the TAESS00028 Work Skill Instructor Skill Set to a group of women participants as part of Project 18.

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, Paul Clerks, pclerks@tafegippsland.edu.au.

Project 3 is testing flexible micro-credential delivery approaches to improve access and participation for women and other underrepresented groups in the forest and wood products industry.

The model incorporates facilitated online sessions, self-paced learning, recorded and industry-specific resources, mentoring, guest speakers, and personalised trainer support. This approach is being piloted with a cohort of women who commenced the TAESS00028 Work Skill Instructor Skill Set in February 2026, supported by pilot projects 18 and 4.

Eight women from various states and industry employers commenced the TAESS00028 Work Skill Instructor Skill Set in February 2026.

By September 2026, four participants remained enrolled and were progressing through assessments, while the other four had withdrawn due to work pressures, caring responsibilities, and additional personal commitments. At the time of reporting, no Statements of Attainment had been issued; however, assessment pathways remained open, and individual trainer support continued.

The pilot demonstrated that flexible online delivery could facilitate access to training and initial engagement among geographically dispersed cohorts. However, flexibility alone did not ensure assessment completion. Participants tended to value practical workplace skills over formal certification. Trainer feedback also indicated that assessment support required more trainer time than initially anticipated.

Engagement with First Nations organisations also clarified that online delivery may not suit all cohorts. Feedback consistently favoured on-Country, face-to-face, and practical training connected to authentic employment opportunities.

These findings will inform future refinements to delivery models, including stronger employer support, extended or staged assessment arrangements, and complementary in-person learning options.

The flexible delivery model is expected to begin trial implementation in early 2026, following further consultation and development. This will occur alongside the Project 18 trial.

As part of the pilot, a dedicated women’s trainee intake for the TAESS00028 Work Skill Instructor Skill Set is planned to commence in February 2026.

More information will be shared soon.

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, Paul Clerks, pclerks@tafegippsland.edu.au.