Building workforce capacity in Forestry
The demand for timber in Australia is projected to grow at roughly the same rate as the population. With the current population of 25.7*million expected to increase thirty-five million by 2040, that potentially means around a 36% increase in demand for Australian timber over the next two decades.
That demand naturally drives the need to continue to build workforce capacity and capability, and when it comes careers in forestry, there is a large and diverse range of opportunities in Gippsland.
To help people of all ages learn more about these opportunities, the Gippsland Forestry Hub is holding a Forestry Taster course at the Morwell Innovation Centre on the 27th, 28th and 29th of June.
In this three-day program, participants will meet some inspiring industry mentors and see first-hand what the industry has to offer, via a range of informative presentations and a day trip out in the field to see a number of different timber related workplaces.
Whether it is doing planting work outside in a timber plantation, driving a harvester on a timber coupe, working in a tree nursery, or getting involved in mapping out future plantations, there is a variety of businesses potentially able to offer long term and secure employment.
Participants in the Forestry Taster course will learn skills that could open the door to working as a Harvester or Forwarder operator, a District Forester, Forestry Planner, nursery operator, a sawmill worker, a truck driver or being involved in the production or sales of timber products. They will also finish the course with a selection of qualifications that may assist in pursuing roles in the industry.
Working in collaboration with Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Connect 2 Employment Program to encourage job seekers to take part in the course, Gippsland Forestry Hub General Manager Lesia Clarke believes it is a fantastic way for people to explore their options.
“The combination of face-to-face information sharing in a relaxed learning space with our day trip to see how a timber mill, a timber plantation and one of the largest nurseries in Australia all operate offers people an inside look at potential work environments – there is really so much more to forestry than meets the eye!“ she said.
F&FG’s Connect 2 Employment Team Leader Nicki Keddie says courses like this are important for job seekers.
“Lots of people have very transferrable skills, but until they know more about an industry that is new to them, it can be challenging to see how they would transition to an unfamiliar workplace. Being able to meet people on the ground and have conversation with mentors and industry representatives is valuable, as is gaining some qualifications to add to their CV” she said.
Participation in the Forestry Taster course is free, but places are limited. To secure your spot and start exploring opportunities in the industry, email Brodie Anderson at Food & Fibre Gippsland today brodie.anderson@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Responsible Wood proudly support this course.
