Queensland forest and industry training hub “Canopy” announced to assist with career opportunities

Yesterday the Queensland Government announced that Timber Queensland has been successful in a one year $980,000 funding application to establish "Canopy", a forest and timber industry training and career hub.

Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations & Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt said the hub will bring together industry, employers, training providers and employment agencies to deliver training and career education programs and work experience opportunities for school leavers, unemployed and existing staff looking to upskill or retrain.

“Global trends in technology, sustainable development and a movement towards the circular economy are driving increased demand for timber manufactured and waste products. These developments mean new job opportunities in all segments of the supply chain, supplementing the more traditional roles that will continue to underpin our growing industry,” said Clarissa Brandt.

Mrs Brandt said despite growing demand the sector is facing substantial challenges to recruiting, training and retaining suitably skilled and qualified workers.

“Current skill shortages and lack of a pipeline of future workforce entrants is a major constraint on the growth of an efficient and effective forest and timber industry across Queensland,” said Clarissa Brandt.

“Canopy – a first for Queensland’s industry - will provide co-ordinated state-wide industry attraction, retention and training programs, trial new information technology platforms to deliver microcredentials and drive gains in productivity and efficiency,” she said.

“Timber Queensland is pleased to be able to implement this significant project over the next twelve months as we start to address some of the long-term workforce development needs of industry. This exciting project will provide services to the full industry supply chain across the Wide Bay, Moreton Bay, Central Queensland and Far North Queensland regions.”

Canopy will focus on ensuring a good match of knowledge and practical skills of trainees and graduates with qualifications with current industry requirements.

“We are partnering with experienced operators to deliver two Master Tree Grower Programs, conduct a trial of a Digital Microcredentials System with relevant training for the harvest and haulage sector and implement Pre-Employment Training for wood processors in targeted regions.”

Mrs Brandt said Canopy staff will visit schools and job expos across the state promoting career awareness and showcasing the wide variety of opportunities available within the industry.

“The hub will work with schools and training providers to deliver high quality career education opportunities such as the Introduction to the Forest & Timber Industry: Grow, Harvest & ProcessIndustry Schools Tours which have already been provided in the Hervey Bay, Gympie and Maryborough regions.

“These tours have been very successful in engaging student interest in our industry,

Canopy will expand these tours plus develop an associated Grow, Harvest & Process Work Experience Program.”

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Workforce Connect Fund.