For many of our stakeholders, 2011 has brought much change and uncertainty across the industry, including those affected by the industry re-structure in Tasmania. ForestWorks remains committed to providing ongoing support to affected workers in many parts of the industry to assist with securing new careers and employment, embarking on training or, for some, making the transition into retirement.

Over the coming year ForestWorks will be firmly focussed on continuing to strengthen our activities with enterprises, training organisations and government in pursuit of industry development for a stronger, more profitable and sustainable industry.

We would like to wish you and your family a happy and relaxing festive season and all the best for a safe, prosperous and happy New Year.

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BREAKING NEWS:
Industry Development Conference to be held on 30-31 October 2012

We are excited to announce the 2012 Industry Development Conference hosted by ForestWorks will be held in Canberra on 30-31 October 2012.

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the opportunities for high-level political engagement afforded by holding the dinner at Parliament House, we have had to move quickly to secure one of the few remaining available dates at Parliament House during sitting weeks for the 2012 function.

Please save 30-31 October 2012 in your diary. Consultation regarding industry guidance for speakers, topics and themes will follow in the New Year.

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ForestWorks office Christmas closure

Our office will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 22 December 2011 and will re-open on Wednesday 11 January 2012.

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New South Australian industry committee

ForestWorks is excited to be spear-heading the new South Australian Skills and Training Advisory Committee, with support from the South Australian Government and DEEWR through ForestWorks’ Industry Skills Council role.

 The new body will plug into the expertise and knowledge of business and HR managers, employees and their union, the CFMEU, representing the forestry and paper products industry. It's no secret that the timber and paper product industry has had a tough time thanks to the high dollar and reduced consumer confidence. The purpose of the committee will be to look beyond the peaks and troughs of the market and consider what skills, knowledge and education the industry will need to gather to set up our industry to make it sustainable in the long term.

ForestWorks CEO Michael Hartman spoke to ABC South East SA (read here or listen here) about our support for the new SA Skills and Training Advisory Committee.

For more information about the SA Skills and Advisory Committee, please contact Michelle Ingley-Smith, ForestWorks Skills and Advisory Manager SA

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Skills Connect - making skills funding simpler

ForestWorks is excited to let you know that several streams of Government training funding are now available under one umbrella - Skills Connect.

Unlike previous funding programs where applications could only be submitted during a specified period, Skills Connect funding applications can be made at any time via one application process.

Skills Connect covers a range of funding opportunities including:

·         National Workforce Development Fund

·         WELL training for foundation skills

·         Apprentice mentoring and accelerated apprenticeships

·         Experience+ training for mature workers

ForestWorks will guide enterprises through the application process and can assist with connecting RTOs to enterprises and to strengthening existing RTO-enterprise partnerships.

For more information contact Judith - ForestWorks Project officer on 1800 177 001 or email skillsconnect@forestworks.com.au

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Forest Inquiry report

After 10 months of consultation and research as part of the Inquiry into the Australian Forest Industry, the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Resources, Fisheries and Forestry has tabled its report Seeing the forest through the trees.

ForestWorks contributed a submission and presented during the public hearing in Melbourne, ensuring the Inquiry was aware of our highly technical and specialised workforce. The Committee noted that, despite the many and varied careers available in the forestry industry, labour and skills shortages persist.

The report is now available for download from the Parliament of Australia website.

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Increased Federal Government funding to support industry skills

If your enterprise wishes to undertake training with the Federal Government contributing to the cost, ForestWorks is now accepting applications from enterprises to the National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF).

NWDF funding is ongoing, however applications made prior to 15 March 2012 will take advantage of current Budget allocations. Conditions apply and ForestWorks can guide you through the application process to maximise your success.

For more information, please contact Judith Carson, ForestWorks Project Officer.

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Victorian Women in Forests and Timber Network workshop success!

The second state-based workshop in the Women in Forests and Timber Network series was recently held in Yering, Victoria. Forty attendees heard from the Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry and Fisheries, Gary Blackwood, who noted that women are a vital part of dynamic timber communities. Mr Blackwood also commended the organisers and attendees of the workshop, saying the Establishing a Women in Forests and Timber Network project is a great new initiative to raise the profile of women working in the forest and wood products industry. This initiative is supported by DAFF, VAFI and ForestWorks.

The next state workshops will be held QLD, NSW and SA. See Upcoming Events below for details.

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Last days to nominate in the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Awards

There is only one week left to make your nomination in the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Awards for Employers of Excellence in Training awards. These awards recognise employers within the furnishing sector that demonstrate commitment, innovation and outstanding achievement in the training of their employees.

Nominations close on the 23 December 2011.

Download your nomination form here or visit www.fiaavictas.org.au for more information.

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FWPA Indigenous scholarship applications now open

If you are an Indigenous Australian or have employees with Indigenous heritage who are looking to undertake tertiary training, FWPA offers a number of scholarships. Up to $5000 is available to cover fees, equipment or travel expenses for eligible Indigenous students who are completing a Certificate IV, Diploma or Degree in subjects that relate to the forest and timber products sector.

To view the flyer click here 

To apply simply read the guidelines, complete the application form and send to info@fwpa.com.au by 31 January 2012.

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In the media

The highly successful Women in Industry conference hosted by ForestWorks ISC, Skills DMC and Construction and Property Services ISC sparked conversations in the media across Australia about the role of women in trades and male-dominated industries. The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald explored the idea that dads should share their DIY skills with their daughters to open a world of potential trade careers for them.

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Follow ForestWorks on Twitter

ForestWorks now has 50 followers on Twitter and we’d like you to join them!
Be a part of the conversation and read all the latest news from around our industry.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Women in Forests and Timber Network – state workshops

 The proposed dates for the next state workshops are:

• Queensland: Week of 20 February 2012
• New South Wales: Week of 5 March 2012
• South Australia: Friday 30 March 2012 (to coincide with AUSTIMBER, Mt Gambier)

To register your interest in attending, please contact Jillian Roscoe on info@wftn.org.au or 03 9611 9002.

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2012 ForestWorks AUSTimber conference and AUSTimber Expo

29-31 March 2012
Mt Gambier

Please visit the AUSTimber website for further details and to register

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66th Appita Conference & Exhibition – People, Productivity, Profits

15-18 April 2012
Melbourne Park, Melbourne

The 66th Appita Annual Conference & Exhibition is now calling for papers (closing date: 4 November 2011). The 2012 event will showcase the latest innovations, technologies and techniques in pulp and paper manufacturing and converting processes.

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Please visit the Appita conference website for further details.

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2012 Industry Development Conference hosted by ForestWorks

30-31 October 2012
Canberra

To register an event on the ForestWorks website or in Skills Update contact forestworks@forestworks.com.au

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 For all the latest news, training package information and event announcements, together commentary from around our industry, why not follow @ForestWorks on Twitter? If you do not already have a Twitter account, it’s quick, easy and free to set one up. To register an event on the ForestWorks website or in Skills Update contact forestworks@forestworks.com.au

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Subscription Information

The team at ForestWorks welcome new readers to the ForestWorks Skills Update. You can subscribe online or send an e-mail to forestworks@forestworks.com.au and you'll receive our next edition. To be removed from our mailing list, simply unsubscribe online or email your request and details to forestworks@forestworks.com.au and we'll remove your name from our mailing list.