Project 7. Training Model for Saw Technician and Wood Machinist Occupations

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Project Description

This project develops and trials a new flexible, industry-led model for training saw technicians and wood machinists. The aim is for apprentices in the same region to train together at a regional host mill, gaining transferable skills and practical, hands-on experience on modern equipment in real workplace settings. The model includes flexible delivery options to minimise costs and disruptions for employers and their workers.

The project directly addresses long-standing training challenges and skill shortages in regional areas. It offers a more efficient, collaborative and industry-relevant pathway to train and retain skilled saw technicians and wood machinists.

Timeline
  • February 2025 – June 2027
Lead Organisation
  • Led by the Australian Forest Products Association and delivered by TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick
Contact

Scott Turner
Policy Manager | Australian Forest Products Association
scott.turner@ausfpa.com.au

Kaye Tyter
Workforce Development Manager | ForestWorks
ktyter@forestworks.com.au

Engagement and Development

Between May and August 2025, the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) and ForestWorks met with industry and training partners to discuss options for a cost-effective, accessible training model for saw technicians and wood machinists. Discussions focused on how a regional host mill approach, combined with flexible delivery and block release, could improve access to training and outcomes for employers and apprentices in regional areas.

What We Heard
  • Skills shortage: Stakeholders confirmed a critical national shortage of qualified saw technicians and wood machinists, with relatively low apprentice numbers reflecting the niche nature of the trades.
  • Flexibility and relevance: Stakeholders strongly endorsed adaptable models that reduce travel and costs, respond to regional needs, and provide access to stackable, job-aligned skill sets that provide partial accreditation, entry pathways, and progression to complete qualifications.
  • Preferred training delivery model: There was broad support for a hybrid approach that combines connected or online learning, practical training at a regional host mill, and block release at Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
  • Challenges to address: Key issues include limited trainer capacity, cost/time pressures on small businesses and inconsistent apprenticeship durations across jurisdictions.
How Feedback Is Shaping the Training Model

Stakeholder insights have informed two key components of the evolving training model, designed to better meet industry needs and address regional skills shortages.

Flexible Apprenticeship Delivery Model

A new delivery model has been developed to support apprentices in regional areas through a flexible, blended approach. It combines:

  • Connected or online learning
  • Hands-on training at regional host mills (training hubs)
  • Face-to-face block release at RTO training facilities.

This model aims to overcome long-standing barriers to training access and workforce development in remote locations.

Pilot rollout begins in early 2026.

For delivery details, visit the Pilot (Upcoming) tab.

To express interest, go to the Pilot – EOIs/Enrolments tab.

Targeted Skill Sets for Career Pathways in Saw Technology

To complement the apprenticeship model, stackable skill sets have been designed to:

  • Support pre-apprenticeship and Trade Assistant programs
  • Enable flexible progression across entry, intermediate, and advanced career stages
  • Provide a framework for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to address existing skills gaps.

This approach allows for:

  • Flexible sequencing and delivery across apprenticeship stages
  • Targeted training for Trade Assistants, who can complete job-relevant skill sets without committing to a full apprenticeship—helping to alleviate the shortage of qualified saw technologists.

View the proposed skill sets—they contribute to the FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology. Completing all listed skill sets meets the packaging rules for the full qualification.

Further Actions Underway
  • Endorse stackable skill sets that support trade-assistant/entry pathways and provide clear progression to complete qualifications.
  • Establish regional host mills (training hubs) and implement a formal collaboration framework that defines roles, responsibilities, and operational protocols among regional host mills and RTOs.
  • Progress harmonisation of apprenticeship durations to address jurisdictional differences.
  • Integrate with relevant FWTP projects, including workplace-based trainer development, skills recognition, and training resource development, to:
    • Develop workplace-based trainers
    • Recognise existing worker skills and support mid-career pathways
    • Enable delivery of specialist pathways (e.g. process control, hydraulic/pneumatic maintenance) to support post-qualification upskilling and retention.

For any questions, contact the Project Lead, Scott Turner, scott.turner@ausfpa.com.au

Expressions of Interest – Now Open

Train Saw Technicians & Wood Machinists

We invite employers to participate in a flexible, industry-led apprenticeship pilot that trains First Year saw technicians and wood machinists without the heavy travel burden of traditional models.

Training is delivered by TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick, with leadership from AFPA and ForestWorks and funding from the Australian Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP).

Refer to the Pilot (Upcoming) tab for details on the delivery model and schedule.

If you would like to discuss the delivery models in detail, call:

  • David Priem (TAFE NSW) – 0428 424 234
  • Warren Stanley (Timber Training Creswick) – 03 5345 2018

How to Participate

Register your apprentice(s) using the forms below by 28 November:

Register – Saw Technology
Register – Wood Machining

We will connect you with TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick to finalise enrolment and delivery arrangements.

Why Participate

Many mills are geographically dispersed, and traditional training often requires apprentices to travel hundreds of kilometres, resulting in additional costs, operational disruptions, and higher risks, particularly for younger workers.

This pilot removes those barriers by delivering high-quality training where work happens. It blends connected or online delivery with learning in a real workplace context at regional host mills (training hubs) and face-to-face block releases at the RTO training facility.

Who Can Participate

Employers seeking to commence apprentices in:

  • FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology, or
  • FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining.
Employer Commitments
  • Release apprentices for live connected sessions, online study, regional hub days, and block releases.
  • Provide on-the-job practice opportunities and digital access where relevant.
  • Offer feedback to help refine Years 2–3 of the apprenticeship.
Quick FAQs
Which qualifications are covered?

FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology and FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining (nationally recognised units).

Do apprentices have to travel?

Yes, but travel is significantly reduced due to live connected sessions or online learning with trainer coaching. Hands-on training occurs at regional host mills and during block releases.

How do the delivery models differ between RTOs during the pilot year (the first year of apprenticeship)?
  • Saw Technology (Year 1):
    • TAFE NSW: Offers 9 units; live connected sessions with recorded access and scheduled tutorials for 8 units, block release for 1 unit and mill visits.
    • Timber Training Creswick: Offers 13 units; self-paced online modules, supported by regular trainer coaching.
  • Wood Machining (Year 1):
    • Delivered by Timber Training Creswick only.

Refer to the Pilot (Upcoming) tab for further details on the delivery model.

For any questions, contact the Project Lead, Scott Turner, scott.turner@ausfpa.com.au

Project 7 is piloting a flexible apprenticeship model for saw technician and wood machinist roles to improve access to specialist training, reduce travel and workplace disruption, and support mitigating persistent skills shortages. The model integrates online learning, face-to-face block training, and workplace support.

As of September 2026, eight wood machinist apprentices and five saw technician apprentices were participating in the pilot across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania.

Twelve units of competency are scheduled for delivery during 2026, with apprentices continuing their qualifications through to 2028. Online delivery has continued, supported by targeted assistance from Timber Training Creswick to help apprentices remain on schedule.

Lower-than-expected enrolments and the wide geographic distribution of apprentices prevented implementation of the original model, which included regional host facilities for practical training.

The pilot was adapted to provide more individualised workplace support while retaining all other key delivery elements for testing. Connected-learning equipment has been acquired, and trials of live video and smart-glasses technology are planned to enable remote observation of practical training from the Timber Training Creswick campus.

Participant surveys and further evaluation will be conducted in early 2027 to assess the training model’s effectiveness, completion of Year 1 units, workplace relevance, and potential for refinement and future scale-up. These results will provide a practical basis for evaluating flexible training in a thin and geographically dispersed market.

Train Saw Technicians & Wood Machinists

This pilot tests a regional host-mill (training hub) model with flexible delivery to tackle long-standing training challenges and skills shortages in regional areas.

The pilot is scheduled to start in early 2026. For registration steps and key dates, please see the Pilot – EOIs/Enrolments tab.

How the Pilot Works

The pilot covers the first year of apprenticeship. Participants complete nationally recognised units aligned to:

  • FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology, or
  • FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining.

Progression after Year 1: An evaluation will inform delivery for Years 2 and 3. After Year 1 (the pilot year), students will continue their apprenticeship with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ensuring a seamless transition from the pilot delivery into their ongoing formal training program.

Pilot Delivery Model

TAFE NSW and Timber Training Creswick deliver training through a blended approach that includes:

  • Connected or online learning for theory components.
  • Practical training delivered locally in a real workplace context at a regional host mill.
  • Block-release training at the RTO training facility.

Connected learning is a blend of real-time, teacher-led virtual classes and digitally-enabled learning environments that combine web conferencing with advanced technology like simulations and virtual reality.

Online learning allows students to study in a digital environment using a Learning Management System (LMS) and other online tools. This flexible approach enables learners to choose when, where, and how they engage with their studies.

Course materials are accessible online, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Trainers provide support through regular virtual meetings for coaching and questions. In addition, face-to-face workplace assessments are conducted to meet the training package requirements.

A designated sawmilling or timber-processing site where apprentices from multiple workplaces in the same region can, where appropriate, undertake supervised, practical training on contemporary equipment.

Regional host mills provide:

  • Appropriate additional technical supervision through a Subject Matter Expert, ideally with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or, at a minimum, the TAESS00020 Workplace Trainer Skill Set.
  • Suitable work areas/equipment and site access, while RTO trainers deliver/assess on-site and/or remotely.
Unit Schedule for Year 1 (Pilot Year)

FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology

FWP31121 Certificate III in Wood Machining

Learning Sequence and Mode of Delivery

Theory is delivered through connected virtual classes or online sessions in Terms 1 and 2 of Year 1. Technical and theory skills are delivered at the regional host mill (training hub) and through a block release at the regional host mill and RTO facility in Terms 3 and 4.

Terms 1–2: Connected or online learning
  • TAFE NSW: Live online sessions (Microsoft Teams) with real-time demonstrations from the FITC Tumut saw workshop, interactive activities and recorded sessions available to learners, and scheduled tutorials.
  • Timber Training Creswick: Self-paced online sessions via Moodle (Learning Management System) website, printed learning materials, and regular online coaching/Q&A with a Timber Training Creswick trainer.
Term 3: Practical training at a regional training hub
  • Apprentices attend their closest regional host mill for supervised practical learning and receive on-site supervision from a workplace-based trainer. RTO trainers connect remotely. Hub locations are arranged based on apprentice demand.

This stage operates similarly across both RTOs.

Term 4: Practical training as a block release at RTO
  • TAFE NSW: 5-day face-to-face block at FITC Tumut campus for hands-on practice, mill visits and direct assessment.
  • Timber Training Creswick: 4-day face-to-face block at Timber Training Creswick campus or regional hubs (depending on locations) for hands-on practice and direct assessment.

To participate, proceed to the Pilot – EOIs/Enrolments tab for the registration forms and next steps.

For any questions, contact the Project Lead, Scott Turner, scott.turner@ausfpa.com.au