Sawmilling and Timber Processing Project
Menu: Click across the green arrows to view active and completed project stages. Consultation takes place at every stage of the project.Case for change
In recent years, sawmills and wood product facilities around Australia have experienced major technological advancements and the introduction of new production methods and equipment. This has seen a change in worker skill needs, with a shift towards skills in monitoring, optimising, and troubleshooting highly specialised automated technology that moves, scans, cuts and assembles timber components and products.
This project will update the qualifications and skills standards in timber processing and wood manufactured products to incorporate current skills requirements and consolidate the number of qualifications and units to reduce complexity in the training system. This project will build on previous projects overseen by the Timber and Wood Processing IRC and Timber Building Solutions IRC, which focussed on supporting sawmill timber and process optimisation, cross laminated and prefabricated timber building systems, as well as timber truss and frame estimation and design.
The Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) approved this project, out of the 2021 Annual Update to the IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work for the Australian Forest and Wood Products Industry (see pages 44-48).
The Timber and Wood Processing Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will oversee this project as part of their responsibility to support engagement with the sector, and to ensure the project meets industry stakeholder needs.
Skills Impact and ForestWorks will manage this project, consistent with the 2012 Standards for Training Package Development.
Download Project Proposal (see page 44-48)
Project Plan
The sawmilling and engineered wood products sectors have undergone rapid digital transformation and technical progress as industry works to provide environmentally sustainable solutions for building construction. Sawmills and other wood product facilities are investing in and integrating state-of-the-art equipment into workplaces to produce innovative products, including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT). As a result, the job roles of operators have evolved, requiring updated skills to work with new equipment and produce versatile mass timber products.
Feedback from industry has indicated that the current qualifications and skills standards for sawmilling, timber processing and wood manufactured products require updating to reflect developments in technology and processes in the Australian timber and wood products sectors. Consultation will take place throughout the project to capture the skills required for operating and monitoring automated wood processing technologies and continuous drying kilns, including the use of programmable logic controllers. Consideration will also be given to current skill needs in optimising output and identifying, analysing and rectifying potential issues that may arise throughout new processes. Current industry standards in quality control and meeting Chain of Custody requirements will also be reviewed and included in the qualifications and units.
Along with updating the qualifications to meet current and future industry skill needs, consideration will be given to simplifying training delivery. It is proposed that this is achieved through the consolidation of qualifications at Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) levels II and III, so that there is one timber and wood processing qualification at each of these levels, with specialisations to allow learners to focus on a particular skill area. Specialisations would cover the skills required for mass timber prefabrication (CLT and Glulam), veneer-based production (plywood and LVL) and manufacturing boards from wood particles or fibres (particleboard and MDF), as well as other wood products.
Project Scope
Five qualifications, 48 units of competency and four skill sets related to sawmilling and processing and timber manufactured products will be reviewed as part of this project. Consultation will take place to define the skills needed to operate highly specialised automated equipment and perform current processes. Up to eight new units may be developed and units with low enrolments will be assessed for industry need.
Relevant Occupations
- Timber and wood processing operators
- Timber and wood processing supervisors
- Timber and wood processing technicians
Project Team
| Georgiana Daian | Project Manager, ForestWorks | [email protected] |
| Michelle Clayton | IRC and Industry Engagement Manager, ForestWorks | [email protected] |
| Rob Stowell | Industry Skills Standard Contractor |
Timeline
August 2021
Initial scoping
Sept 2021 – Feb 2021
Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units
March – April 2022
Drafts available for broad consultation
April 2022
Validation of final drafts
May 2022
Finalisation of Training Package components
May – July 2022
Independent Quality Assurance, and Edit and Equity review of Training Package components
July 2022
IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsement
Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts will be drawn on throughout this project to help review and draft the revised units, skill sets and qualifications.
If you are interested in applying to be a subject matter expert and are able to volunteer your time to this project, please email details of your expertise to [email protected]
Opportunities for stakeholder input
Those with experience and knowledge in timber and wood processing, who are able to describe the skills needed for this industry are invited to engage with this project.
It is important that training provides a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. The units need to reflect real work experience. So, if you work in the sector, Skills Impact and ForestWorks welcome your input and assistance.
Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. The documents will be drafted in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and their networks. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft materials are made available in March-April 2022, and again for validation of final drafts in April 2022. However, your feedback is welcomed at any time, and will help us in drafting the qualifications, skill set and units.
Please feel free to register your interest for project updates and consultation opportunities by following the newsletter subscription link below. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the project manager, Georgiana Daian on 0413 660 987 or [email protected].
Stakeholder Consultation Process
A list of key stakeholder organisations has been identified for this project. Skills Impact and ForestWorks will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations during the development of this project to seek their involvement and their views on the draft qualifications, skill sets and units.
If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.
Of course, all and any interested industry participants are encouraged to engage in the consultation of this project, when the draft qualifications, skill sets and units are available for feedback via this webpage and workshops that take place around Australia. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list. This list simply helps us to identify those organisations that, because of their industry role, size or specialty, are likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project.
Development
Rapid digital transformation and technical progress are shifting the skills needs of the sawmilling and engineered wood products sectors. Workplaces are integrating state-of-the-art equipment into workplaces to produce innovative products, including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT). Operators require the skills to work with new equipment and produce versatile mass timber products.
As a result of these developments the qualifications and skills standards for sawmilling, timber processing and wood manufactured products require updating. Consultation is taking place with industry experts to capture the skills required for new processes, including optimising output and troubleshooting. They have identified the need to improve employees’ general, transferable skills. These include team and individual work, problem solving and equipment maintenance as well as skills that support compliance with safety, chain of custody and environmental requirements.
Feedback has indicated that mills invest extensively in technology and require process operators, line technicians and production supervisors with skills in quality assurance, routine maintenance, process monitoring and continuous improvement. There is also a need for knowledge of production processes and work flows in work environments such as sawmills, log yards, CLT/GLT plants, plywood/LVL plants and/or MDF/PB plants, so that operators are able to support quality improvement, participate in problem-solving processes and understand the reasons for particular work operations and processes.
Along with updating the qualifications to meet current and future industry skill needs, consideration will be given to making the qualifications more flexible and more able to be delivered by training providers. It is proposed that this could be achieved through the consolidation of qualifications at Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) levels II and III, so that there is one timber and wood processing qualification at each of these levels, with specialisations to allow learners to focus on a particular skill area. At this stage, it is envisaged that specialisations will be available in mass timber prefabrication (CLT and Glulam), veneer-based production (plywood and LVL) and manufacturing boards from wood particles or fibers (particleboard and MDF), as well as other wood products.
Development outcomes and next steps
Broad stakeholder consultation is scheduled to commence in March 2022, when draft qualifications and units of competency will be made available for feedback on this webpage. Your input is welcome, please feel free to register your interest to keep informed of project updates and when draft materials are available for feedback by following the newsletter subscription link below.
Drafts Available
The timber and wood products industry makes a substantial contribution to our economy through primary processing operations that convert logs into a range of timber products and through downstream timber processing activities that generate a range of engineered wood products.
Industry has been investing in technology to increase productivity and produce innovative products, including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT). Industry feedback has indicated that updated skills are required in current timber and wood production workplaces, which need process operators, line technicians, and production supervisors who:
- are thoroughly familiar with the operation of sawmills, log yards and wood product processing plants
- have a sound understanding of health, safety, environment protection,
- have skills to perform some types of equipment maintenance and quality processes
- possess effective communication, decision making and teamwork skills
- can contribute to problem-solving processes and understand the reasons that underlie production processes and requirements.
Thank you to those who provided feedback on the revised set of qualifications and units of competency that were available on this webpage for comment from 14 February to 23 March 2022. The draft qualifications and units as they appeared at this time and any comments made are still available to view below.
They were redesigned to meet current skill needs, facilitate efficient training delivery and provide clear career pathways for school leavers, new entrants to the industry and existing workers.
Feedback was sought on whether the draft qualifications and units of competency reflect industry’s current skills needs, standards and practices and whether job roles, terminology and technology are accurately described and referenced.
Additionally, feedback was sought about specific skill sets that may be required for rapidly upskilling or reskilling people for a specific work task or for enabling an entry pathway to further training.
Your feedback will inform further updates to the drafts, after which they will be made available again for your consideration and validation during April 2022.
Restructured Qualifications
The four qualifications at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 2 and 3 were consolidated into one qualification at each level. The qualification at AQF level 4 was reviewed and updated. This resulted in a Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations, a Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations (with specialisations) and a Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations.
Under the proposed redeveloped qualifications those seeking a Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations can choose from specialisations in timber production, glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production, plywood or laminated veneer lumber production, and reconstituted wood panel production.
Learners can also focus on skills or tasks that are important to the industry now and in the future, such as:
- planning, supervising and evaluating log yard operations, log processing operations, dry mill operations, or wood-based product operations
- collecting, preparing and testing samples of laminated wood products or finger jointed timber, analysing test results to identify production issues, and adjusting processes as necessary
- developing specialised operational knowledge to support quality and problem-solving processes, either across log yard operations or own production operations such as veneer production for plywood or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufacture, plywood or laminated veneer lumber production, and glue laminated timber (GLT) or cross laminated timber (CLT) production
- assessing the types and applications of glues and gluing systems used in the production of wood products.
Several units of competency were also added to the qualification on chain of custody certification principles for operators, senior operational staff, and internal auditors, and mechanical skills for saw technicians, line technicians, and production supervisors.
All proposed qualifications, whether entry level or high level, include subjects to help people learn basic skills applicable across manufacturing jobs or occupations. These skills include applying effective manufacturing work practices, achieving work outcomes, performing minor equipment maintenance, participating in continuous improvement, using structured problem-solving tools, performing tasks to support production, organising personal work priorities, and working in teams.
For more details and explanations about what changes were made, please download the summary of changes document
| Qualification code and name | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWP2XX22 Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations | The Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations describes the job roles of people who support production processes in a timber or wood product production facility. It is also designed for learners involved in school-based VET traineeships and other VET in school programs focused on the production of timber and wood products. Replaces:
| View draft qualification |
| FWP3XX22 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations | The Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations describes the job roles of people who work at the production level in a timber or wood product production facility. This qualification offers specialisations in:
The specialisations offer more training options, clear career pathways into a range of forestry roles and flexibility to choose from a range of career pathways, including the possibility to complete additional specialisations with a minimum number of units. Replaces:
| View draft qualification |
| FWP4XX22 Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations | The Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations describes the job roles of production supervisors and technicians who work in a timber or wood products production facility. Additional changes to all of the above qualifications include:
Replaces FWP40216 Certificate IV in Timber Processing | View draft qualification |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
Units of Competency
Significant changes were proposed to the timber and wood products units of competency, including:
- the development of nine units of competency to address gaps across the qualifications and to meet skills needs and specialist knowledge need at all levels
- importing from other training packages to improve transferability of skills and develop foundation skills
- updating, consolidating and redeveloping 50 existing units of competency to reflect current industry jobs and work tasks
- three units proposed for deletion due to no enrolments during recent years, duplication in the system or tasks not applicable or relevant to operator skills.
For more details and explanations about what changes were made, please download the summary of changes document
| Revised unit code and name | Application | Link |
| FWPTMM4XXX Plan for and supervise engineered wood product production | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the manufacture of engineered wood products including plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), particleboard, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT) production. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT4XXX Plan for and supervise log yard operations | FWPCOT4205 Coordinate log debarking operations | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to plan log yard operations according to schedules and performance indicators, supervise plant operations, manage log stock, monitor and assess log yard processes and identify process improvement. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and supervise log processing operations | FWPSAW4202 Plan and monitor saw log operations | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to plan and supervise log processing operations in sawn product, veneer or wood chip production. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and coordinate timber drying operations | FWPSAW4203 Coordinate timber drying operations | Edited/updated for including a new element that focuses on evaluation of timber drying and clarifying other sections of the unit. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and supervise timber dry mill operations | FWPSAW4205 Plan and monitor timber conversion | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to plan, supervise and evaluate the dry mill operations of a timber processing facility. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and supervise timber treatment plant operations | FWPSAW4201 Plan and monitor timber treatment plant operations | Edited/updated for including a new element to address maintenance requirements for treatment plants and clarifying other sections of the unit. | View draft unit |
| FWPTMM4XXX Plan for and coordinate timber product assembly | FWPCOT4203 Plan and coordinate product assembly | Edited for clarifying scope of work, performance evidence and other unit sections.
| View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| New unit code and name | Application | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Develop knowledge of chain of custody certification requirements for forest and wood products | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise the purpose of chain of custody certification in the wood and forest products industry, identify workplace chain of custody policy, procedures and documentation and check for potential non-compliance with certification requirements in own area of work. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Assess requirements of chain of custody certification scheme for forest and wood products | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and review the requirements of a chain of custody certification schemes operated by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) for application in a forest or wood products business. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Conduct internal audit of chain of custody certification for forest and wood products | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement an internal audit of chain of custody certification in a forest or wood products business. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| New unit code and name | Application | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Communicate effectively with public members or stakeholders concerned about forest practices | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with members of the public or external stakeholders who are concerned about forest practices in a variety of settings. This may include protests, complaints and verbal dissent expressed in social and community situations, on social media, and in the workplace or forest worksite. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Unit code and name | Application | Link |
| FWPCOT4XXX Apply principles of pneumatics and hydraulics to analyse potential equipment failures | This new unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply the basic principles and applications of hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components of forest and wood products equipment to analyse potential pneumatic and/or hydraulic failures for supporting maintenance processes. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct operator level equipment maintenance in forest and wood products industry | Replaces FWPCOT3224 Plan and monitor equipment maintenance Unit redesigned to emphasise operator level equipment maintenance, including the addition of a new Element 2 for shutting down and isolating equipment. Includes content from previous unit. Major changes to all sections of the unit. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Grade wood product visually
|
| Consolidated. The unit describes skills and knowledge required to visually assess wood product characteristics and defects from the production process and establish whether the strength and/or appearance properties of the product are consistent and within the grade specifications required for end-use application. | View draft unit |
| FWPTMM4XXX Test laminated wood product | FWPTMM4204 Sample and test products to specifications | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to collect, prepare and test samples of laminated wood products, interpret test results for the identification of problems in production and implement necessary process adjustment. | View draft unit |
| FWPTMM4XXX Test finger jointed timber | FWPCOT3208 Test strength of joints | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to collect, prepare and test samples of finger jointed timber, interpret test results for the identification of problems in production and implement necessary process adjustment. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPSAW3XXX Control and monitor automated green mill saw line | FWPSAW3249 Saw logs using CNC optimising systems | Redeveloped to address skills and knowledge required to control and monitor a fully automated saw line from the control room in the green mill to cut logs into green sawn timber. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW3XXX Operate conventional log breakdown saw lines |
| Consolidated. The unit covers skills and knowledge required to operate conventional breakdown saw line to saw logs as part of primary and secondary processing (green mill) operations in a sawmill. | View draft unit
|
| FWPSAW3XXX Select and saw logs in multispecies operations | FWPSAW3250 Select and saw logs in multi-species operations | Edited/updated for including a new element to define tasks associated with log segregation and planning of flow of logs in and out of the sawing area and clarifying other unit sections. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPSAW3XXX Operate timber drying kiln |
| Consolidated. The unit describes skills required to dry softwood or hardwood timber in conventional kilns, including batch and continuous drying kilns, or solar assisted kilns, to appropriate moisture contents and stress levels. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Qualification code and name | Application | Link |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise the products and processes involved in the production of glue laminated timber (GLT) or cross laminated timber (CLT), including the characteristics of timber used in GLT or CLT, the stages in GLT or CLT production, glue and gluing systems used in GLT or CLT production, and quality control in GLT or CLT production. | View draft unit |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of reconstituted wood panel production | This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise the processes involved in the production of a reconstituted wood panel product, selected from chipboard, hardboard, medium and high-density fibre board (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), particle board or masonite. It includes the types and characteristics of the selected reconstituted wood panel product, the stages in the production of the reconstituted wood panel product, the adhesives and adhesive systems used in the production of the reconstituted wood panel product, and quality control in the production of the reconstituted wood panel product. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of veneer preparation in plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | FWPWPP3231 Produce veneer from prepared flitches | Redeveloped to support skilled operators in developing specialised operational knowledge that will aid in quality and problem-solving processes involved in constructional veneer production for plywood or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufacture. | View draft unit |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | FWPWPP3201 Produce veneer from debarked logs | Redeveloped to support skilled operators in developing specialised operational knowledge that will aid in the quality and problem-solving processes associated with the production of plywood and laminated veneer lumber. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Screen wood chips | FWPSAW3215 Screen wood chips | Edited to emphasize focus on monitoring operation of screening equipment and include operator maintenance and new knowledge items regarding purpose of screening, hazards of screening operations and consequences of non-conformance of chips, including other minor clarifications throughout the unit. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Transfer wood chips | FWPSAW3216 Transfer wood chips | Edited/updated to clarify importance of monitoring transfer process and completing workplace documentation, including other minor clarifications throughout the unit. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Test wood chips quality | FWPSAW3223 Assess wood chips | Edited/updated to highlight application of procedures for checking accuracy of testing equipment and to include types, reasons for conducting tests and procedures for checking text equipment, including other minor clarifications throughout the unit. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Coordinate and monitor the wood chip stockpile | FWPSAW3224 Coordinate and monitor the wood chip stockpile | Edited/updated to clarify action required in planning stockpile operations, stockpile hazards and problems associated with self-heating of stockpile and tasks associated with coordinating stockpile operations, including other minor clarifications throughout the unit. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Apply knowledge of log yard operations | FWPCOT3227 Receive and measure logs | Redeveloped to support skilled operators in developing specialised operational knowledge that will aid in quality and problem-solving processes across log yard operations. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Operate timber finger jointing line | FWPCOT2209 Produce finger jointed timber | Redeveloped to address the skills and knowledge required to operate a timber finger jointing line. This includes performing pre-operational checks, carrying out in feed operations, monitoring finger jointing operation and performing outfeed operations. Unit moved from the Certificate II to Certificate III to align job responsibilities with the appropriate Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Set up and maintain timber finger jointing line | FWPCOT3288 Set up, operate and maintain finger jointing machines | Redeveloped to address the skills and knowledge required to coordinate a timber finger jointing line, including planning schedules for operators, setting up equipment for production runs, resolving processing problems and coordinating equipment shut-down and maintenance. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Assess glues and gluing systems used in production of wood products | FWPWPP3209 Prepare resin and additives | Redeveloped to address the skills and knowledge required to assess the types and applications of glues and gluing systems used in the production of wood products. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPTMM3XXX Plane and sand engineered wood products | FWPCOT3268 Plane and sand engineered wood products | Edited for clarifying scope of work, performance evidence and other unit sections. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT2XXX Cut timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions |
| Consolidated. The unit describes skills and knowledge required to prepare and dock timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions with a power driven saw, which may include a mechanical feed. The unit includes equipment maintenance on completion of operation. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT2XXX Operate and maintain a table saw | FWPCOT2245 Operate and maintain a table saw | Redeveloped to increase its applicability by providing for the operation of a table saw to cut timber or engineered wood products. This includes skills and knowledge required to assess sawing conditions and to adjust feed rate and sawing equipment to maximise product outcome and quality. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Re-saw green timber |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to re-saw green timber, including flitches, cunts and rough sawn timber, using sawing machinery to maximise the amount of product and usability. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Machine timber or engineered wood products using CNC machining and processing centres | FWPCOT3235 Machine material using CNC machining and processing centres | Edited for clarifying the application and performance evidence of the unit. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct steam boiler operations |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, start up, monitor, shut down and store a steam-generating boiler. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct heat plant operations |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, start up, operate, shut down and store an energy producing heat plant. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Replaced/merged unit/s | Proposed changes/rationale | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct steam boiler operations |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, start up, monitor, shut down and store a steam-generating boiler. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct heat plant operations |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, start up, operate, shut down and store an energy producing heat plant. | View draft unit |
| FWPCOT2XXX Cut wood material with pole saw for unblocking machinery components | FWPCOT2240 Cut material with a pole saw | Edited for clarifying the scope of work, performance evidence and other unit sections. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW2XXX Sort timber boards manually | FWPSAW2202 Sort boards manually | Edited for clarifying the scope of work, performance evidence and other unit sections. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW2XXX De-stack timber drying racks | FWPSAW2206 De-stack seasoning racks | Edited for clarifying the scope of work, performance evidence and other unit sections. | View draft unit |
| FWPSAW3XXX Assemble, operate and dismantle portable sawmill |
| Consolidated. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assemble, operate and dismantle a portable sawmill. | View draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
The following skill sets and units were proposed for deletion because they are not relevant to operator skills in wood products operations or replacement due to duplication in the system.
| Skill Set and Unit code and name | Link |
| FWPSS00028 Skill set for a finger jointing plant operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00029 Skill set for a finger jointing moulder operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00030 Skill set for a finger jointing grader operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00031 Skill set for a finger jointing quality control tester | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPTMM4203 Install and commission CNC software | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM4208 Construct prototypes and samples for timber structures | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3203 Weigh loads* | View unit on the national register |
*Note: Proposed to be replaced with TLID2022, which has similar learning outcomes. View the TLI unit here.
These units relate to the sawmilling and timber processing industry, but were reviewed recently as part of Prefabricated Building Systems Project and Timber Truss & Frame Estimating & Design Project. Industry feedback to date has not indicated the need for any changes to these units at this time.
| Units code and name | Link |
| FWPTMM3208 Apply critical workplace processes in the manufacture of prefabricated timber building systems | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM3209 Install prefabricated timber building systems on-site | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3219 Produce standard truss or frame plans and details using computers | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT4201 Produce complex truss and frame plans and details using computers | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3234 Cut material using CNC sizing machines | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM5209 Determine prefabricated timber building systems designs for compliance, manufacture and installation | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM5210 Verify compliance and conformance of prefabricated timber building systems during manufacture | View unit on the national register |
Consultation to Date
The draft qualifications units of competency were developed in consultation with subject matter experts throughout October to December 2021. People with experience across a range of industry sectors participated and provided information on the skills and knowledge required for job roles and tasks, including those with expertise in and working directly in the sawmilling and timber processing sector, who participated and provided information on the skills and knowledge required for job functions. Thank you to those who provided feedback during these activities.
Validation
The sawmilling and timber processing sectors are developing new skills as the industry undergoes rapid digital transformation and technical progress. State-of-the-art equipment is being integrated into workplaces to increase productivity and produce innovative products, including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT). Unique expertise is required for working with these new timber products and processes. Operators, line technicians, and production supervisors need to be thoroughly familiar with the operation of sawmills, log yards and wood product processing plants, so that they can support quality processes, problem solve and perform some types of equipment maintenance. They also need to have effective communication, decision making and teamwork skills and an understanding of health, safety, environment protection.
Thank you to those who provided validation and comment on the final draft qualifications and units of competency for timber and wood products operations and job roles that were made available on this webpage from 1 to 25 April 2022. The documents and any comments made are available to view below.
They were updated to meet current skill needs, facilitate efficient training delivery and provide clear career pathways for school leavers, new entrants and existing workers.
The Certificates II and III in sawmilling and processing and timber manufactured products were renamed, consolidated and updated to reflect skills and knowledge to perform a variety of timber production roles. This includes generic workplace skills in areas such as maintaining personal and team performance, problem solving, and complying with health, safety, quality and chain of custody and environmental standards. Specialised technical skills in areas such as equipment operation and maintenance, process monitoring, product testing and grading in CLT and GLT production, plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) production or reconstituted wood panel production were also included.
The Certificate IV in Timber Processing was renamed to the Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations and updated to provide future production supervisors and technicians with skills required to manage technical operations, production issues, performance, equipment maintenance, and quality and safety requirements of a timber or wood products operation.
Feedback received on the draft units of competency during the ‘Drafts Available’ stage was positive, indicating that the updated qualifications support relevant skills for timber production operators and processing sites. Each occupational level has unique requirements for skills development and professional growth, and feedback indicated that the qualifications represent this appropriately.
The final drafts will shortly progress through to the finalisation stage of the project which includes quality assurance of the documents and review and feedback from the State/Territory Training Authorities. They will then be forwarded to the Industry Reference Committee for consideration and sign off, before being submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and State and Territory Ministers to consider and approve for publication on training.gov.au.
Summary of Feedback and Key Changes
Thank you to those stakeholders who provided feedback on the drafts that were made available from 14 February to 14 March 2022, under the ‘Drafts Available’ stage. During this time, feedback was collected via the online feedback hub, consultation webinars, phone call and email. The units were drafted with guidance from Subject Matter Experts, made up of workplace experts and industry.
Key changes as a result of feedback collected at the ‘Drafts Available’ stage include:
- A set of waste management and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chain of Responsibility units were imported into the Certificates III and IV.
- Clarification was made that the new equipment maintenance unit, which integrates knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics, applies to saw technicians and other technical experts. References to mechanical, electrical, and electronic components were also included in the unit.
- A new requirement was added to the GLT and CLT foundation unit for understanding product testing procedures and how test data is interpreted and used.
- The scope of the gluing unit was adjusted to reflect feedback that the unit should focus on types, applications, properties and procedures associated with the use of glues and glue systems at a level suited to needs of operators and supervisors.
A description of how feedback was considered and applied in these final drafts can be downloaded below. Please click the ‘Download Summary of Feedback, Responses and Actions’ button.
Restructured Qualifications
| Qualification code and name | Link |
| FWP2XX22 Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations | View and validate final draft qualification |
| FWP3XX22 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations | View and validate final draft qualification |
| FWP4XX22 Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations | View and validate final draft qualification |
Alternatively, you can email your feedback to Georgiana Daian [email protected]
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
Units of Competency
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPTMM4XXX Plan for and supervise engineered wood product production (new) | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Plan for and supervise log yard operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and supervise log processing operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and coordinate timber drying operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW4XXX Plan for and supervise timber dry mill operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Plan for and supervise timber treatment plant operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPTTM4XXX Plan for and coordinate timber product assembly | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| New unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Develop knowledge of chain of custody certification requirements for forest and wood products | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Assess requirements of chain of custody certification scheme for forest and wood products | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Conduct internal audit of chain of custody certification for forest and wood products | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| New unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Communicate effectively with public members or stakeholders concerned about forest practices | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct operator level equipment maintenance in forest and wood products industry | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT4XXX Apply principles of pneumatics and hydraulics to analyse potential equipment failures | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Grade wood product visually | View final draft unit |
| FWPTMM4XXX Test laminated wood product | View final draft unit |
| FWPTMM4XXX Test finger jointed timber | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPSAW3XXX Control and monitor automated green mill saw line | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW3XXX Operate conventional log breakdown saw lines | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW3XXX Select and saw logs in multispecies operations | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPSAW3XXX Operate timber drying kiln | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Qualification code and name | Link |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production (New) | View final draft unit |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of reconstituted wood panel production (New) | View and validate final draft unit |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of veneer preparation in plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | View final draft unit |
| FWPTMM3XXX Develop knowledge of plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Screen wood chips | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Transfer wood chips | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Test wood chips quality | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Coordinate and monitor the wood chip stockpile | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Apply knowledge of log yard operations | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Operate timber finger jointing line | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Set up and maintain timber finger jointing line | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Identify glues and gluing systems used in production of wood products | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPTMM3XXX Plane and sand engineered wood products | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT2XXX Cut timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT2XXX Operate and maintain a table saw | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Re-saw green timber | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Machine timber or engineered wood products using CNC machining and processing centres | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct steam boiler operations | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT3XXX Conduct heat plant operations | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
| Revised unit code and name | Link |
| FWPCOT2XXX Rack timber or round poles | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT2XXX Pack timber or wood products for despatch | View final draft unit |
| FWPCOT2XXX Cut wood material with pole saw for unblocking machinery components | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW2XXX Sort timber boards manually | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW2XXX De-stack timber drying racks | View final draft unit |
| FWPSAW3XXX Assemble, operate and dismantle portable sawmill | View final draft unit |
The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here
The following skill sets and units were proposed for deletion because they are not relevant to operator skills in wood products operations or replacement due to duplication in the system.
| Skill Set and Unit code and name | Link |
| FWPSS00028 Skill set for a finger jointing plant operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00029 Skill set for a finger jointing moulder operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00030 Skill set for a finger jointing grader operator | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPSS00031 Skill set for a finger jointing quality control tester | View skill set on the national register |
| FWPTMM4203 Install and commission CNC software | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM4208 Construct prototypes and samples for timber structures | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3203 Weigh loads* | View unit on the national register |
*Note: Proposed to be replaced with TLID2022, which has similar learning outcomes. View the TLI unit here.
These units relate to the sawmilling and timber processing industry, but were reviewed recently as part of Prefabricated Building Systems Project and Timber Truss & Frame Estimating & Design Project. Industry feedback to date has not indicated the need for any changes to these units at this time. If you would like to provide feedback on any of these units, please email Georgiana Daian [email protected].
| Units code and name | Link |
| FWPTMM3208 Apply critical workplace processes in the manufacture of prefabricated timber building systems | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM3209 Install prefabricated timber building systems on-site | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3219 Produce standard truss or frame plans and details using computers | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT4201 Produce complex truss and frame plans and details using computers | View unit on the national register |
| FWPCOT3234 Cut material using CNC sizing machines | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM5209 Determine prefabricated timber building systems designs for compliance, manufacture and installation | View unit on the national register |
| FWPTMM5210 Verify compliance and conformance of prefabricated timber building systems during manufacture | View unit on the national register |
Finalisation
As the sawmilling and timber processing sectors undergo rapid digital transformation and technical progress, new skills are being developed to work with new technology and products. Workplaces are integrating state-of-the-art equipment to increase productivity and produce innovative products, including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT). This has required operators, line technicians, and production supervisors to develop updated expertise, to support quality processes, problem solve and perform some types of equipment maintenance. Skills are also required in communication, decision making and teamwork, as well as in supporting work health and safety and the environment.
Thanks to the contributions of everyone involved in this project, qualifications, skill sets and units of competency for timber and wood production were redeveloped to be more flexible in structure and reflect the practical skills required. These updated qualifications and units will provide learners with the opportunity to focus on skills or tasks that are important to the industry now and into the future. They have been endorsed and are now published on the national training register (training.gov.au).
As a result of the updates made, learners who are interested in obtaining the Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations have the option of specialising in timber production, glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production, plywood or laminated veneer lumber production, or reconstituted wood panel production.
Future production supervisors and technicians will be able to acquire the skills necessary to manage technical operations, production issues, performance, equipment maintenance, and quality and safety requirements of a timber or wood products operation by completing the Certificate IV Timber and Wood Products Operations.
The new flexible qualification structure will allow learners to select subjects that best suit their needs and provide skills that are transferable to a wide range of jobs or occupations. The updated qualifications support relevant skills for timber production operators and processing sites, reflecting the unique requirements for skills development and professional growth and different occupational levels.
As a result of feedback received during the validation stage, eight skill sets were also developed to further enhance flexibility and serve as entry pathways into critical jobs, such as saw technicians and wood machinists, and programs to train future leaders. These were developed in consultation with industry leaders and subject matter experts.
Overall, we are very impressed with the modifications to the rules of the qualifications, grouping of units and performance criteria and evidence from an industry perspective. This very much aligns with possible use of units, some qualifications and potential skill set clusters for our development programs.
– Mark Costolloe, AKD Softwoods
Key Changes
The following improvements were made to qualifications to support job roles and facilitate training delivery and participation:
- The Certificates at level II and III were consolidated so that there is one qualification available at each of these levels.
- The Certificates II, III and IV were re-named to be certificates in ‘Timber and Wood Products Operations’ and broadened in their application to support jobs and skills across all operational areas.
- Four specialisations were created for the Certificate III to reflect distinct job functions and promote clear career paths. These specialisations are timber production, glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production, plywood or laminated veneer lumber production, and reconstituted wood panel production
- The packaging rules for all three qualifications were revised, resulting in a reduction in the number of core units to two in Certificate II, four in Certificate III, and none in Certificate IV. In addition, the total number of units required to complete the Certificate IV was reduced by two. These changes were made to give businesses more flexibility in selecting units based on their own skill needs.
- Units were imported as electives in all three qualifications, mostly from the MSM Manufacturing Training Package and MSS Sustainability Training Package, to help learners gain basic skills that can be used in any manufacturing job or occupation such as applying effective manufacturing work practices, using structured problem-solving tools, performing tasks to support production, organising personal work priorities, and working in teams.
- Fifty existing units were updated, with 21 being consolidated into 8, to remove duplication and reflect the current work tasks requirements
- Eight new units were developed to meet skill needs and close gaps in qualifications as follows:
- three units for training production operators, senior operational personnel and internal auditors in chain of custody certification principles
- a unit for skilling saw technicians, line technicians, and production supervisors in mechanical equipment maintenance
- three units for supporting the specialist skills in engineered wood products required by production operators to support quality, problem-solving and production activities
- one unit for preparing the forest industry workforce to communicate effectively with members of the public or external stakeholders concerned about forest practices.
- Created nine new skill sets that provide credit towards the Certificate III or IV to support timber and wood products trades and future leaders.
Summary of consultation
A group of subject matter experts made up of workplace and industry experts guided the drafting of the units. The broader industry was consulted on the draft documents at two different stages – the ‘Drafts Available’ and ‘Validation’ stages. Industry from across Australia provided input via the online feedback hub, webinars, and phone calls and email.
Ninety eight stakeholders were contacted directly to participate in the project. These individuals included representatives from industry associations and regional hubs, employers, registered training organisations (RTOs) and skills advisory bodies in each state. Of these, 42 provided feedback or encouraged their networks to participate in the review. To encourage participation, the majority of associations and skills advisory bodies distributed the project’s information and links to draft components to their members.
A description of how feedback from the ‘Drafts Available’ stage has been considered and applied can be downloaded below. A summary of feedback from the validation stage will be available soon.
The final draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency have been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) and State and Territory Skills Ministers for approval. They are now published on the national training register (training.gov.au). The drafts have undergone an edit and equity and independent quality assurance process, including consideration and support from the Timber and Wood Processing Industry Reference Committee.
A Companion Volume Implementation Guide was also produced to assist industry and RTOs to deliver the qualifications, skill sets and units. It contains key information to help trainers adapt to any new changes, as well as additional information about the impacts of regulation and licensing implications and workplace health and safety on their training.
Click here to download the Case for Endorsement Part 1
Click here to download the Case for Endorsement Part 2
Click here to download the Companion Volume Implementation guide