We are seeking your feedback on projects that have been proposed for 2020 – 2021 and specific changes to the industry environment that have been identified in this year’s Annual Update to the IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work (Skills Forecast).
2020 has brought about many challenges for industry. Bushfires have, and will continue to, impact the industry and its resources. Skills and training in this space has become even more important, so operators can continue to safely respond and assist in bushfire situations. The impact of COVID-19 on supply chains has intensified the necessity of being able to produce timber and paper products in Australia.
Aside from these national challenges, the industry continues to grow, both in terms of revenue and employment. With that, demand for training will continue, but training supply is a challenge in thin, regionally dispersed markets. The need for clearly identified career pathways also continues to preoccupy employers throughout the country.
Government policy is increasingly focused on increasing both the supply and use of timber, including in response to climate change, with industry hubs commencing operations in key forestry regions this year. These hubs have identified the need for a skilled workforce amongst their key priorities.
Proposed projects for 2020-21 are summarised below. Feedback is being collected up until 8 May 2020.
The draft Annual Update will be submitted from the Forest Management and Harvesting Industry Reference Committee (IRC), Timber and Wood Processing IRC and Timber Building Solutions IRC to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) mid-May, for their consideration.
Proposed Projects
Project 1: Review Qualifications to Attract New Entrants
In forestry regions around the country, school students should be able to access school-based vocational education or apprenticeships that provide a career path into a range of forestry roles. The forest growing, management and harvesting industry is aging, with the highest represented age group aged between 53 and 68. Employers are consistent in their message that a high priority for the industry is attracting young people. This project proposes a review of entry level qualifications to support this industry goal, so they can be delivered in a school environment.
Project 2: Review of High-Level Jobs in Forestry
Foresters continue to be an occupation in demand. Australian tertiary education has struggled to play a role in supporting future foresters, with few courses available and low uptake of the Certificate IV and Diploma. Often the gaps are filled through transfer from agricultural specialist areas and many vacancies are filled by foresters from South Africa and New Zealand who need to be trained in the Australian forests’ context. This project proposes a comprehensive analysis of skills and knowledge required by foresters to manage public and private forests. Three high level qualifications for forest management and operations and 52 units of competency would be reviewed to incorporate skills needed by the industry.
Project 3: Safety Mindsets in Remote Operations
Working in remote areas requires a different set of safety skills than operating in a manufacturing site, on a construction site or in another location where medical assistance is only a phone call away. Forest Harvesting and Haulage Contractors work in small teams, sometimes only with two-way radio contact and it is often difficult to access for emergency personnel. This project proposes the development of a skill set and up to two new units of competency for operators, relating to shaping and sustaining safety culture and practices whilst working in remote high-risk operations.
Project 4: Assessment Materials
To support safer work practices in the forest harvesting sector, this project proposes the development of assessment materials for 40 units of competency. Consistent skills standards are particularly important for job roles which are inherently dangerous. These assessment materials will be developed with industry and registered training organisations. They will incorporate, moderate and validate content relating to a broad range of forest types and jurisdictional codes of practice.
Project 5: Responding and Assisting in Bushfires
The frequency and intensity of bushfires in Australia is expected to increase, and fires often burn in plantation and hardwood areas. Harvesting and haulage contractors provide valuable assistance in fire mitigation, firefighting, clean up and clearing operations. Safety of operators is a key concern. To support this, operators need to be effectively trained and ready to respond and assist. It is important that units of competency and qualifications in this sector reflect the need to undertake operations not only in harvesting operations, but also in firefighting and recovery assistance. This project proposes an examination of the roles played by forestry operators responding to and assisting in bushfire situations, to update national qualifications and skills standards with the necessary skills.