ForestWorks and the TSDS Project Team have announced the extension of the TSDS program in Tasmania. An extension to the program has been approved by the Department of State Growth. Source: Timberbiz
TSDS applications can be received until 28 February 2020, or until the fund is fully expended.
The TSDS program aims to enable current, new and potential forestry employees to undertake training and skills development to match their vocational skills to changing job requirements due to the restructuring of the forestry industry.
The program allows for the recognition of existing skills in the industry and workforce development planning.
To date, approximately $3 million of funding has been approved across 158 projects for training and workforce development planning in Tasmania. The majority of projects have targeted the Forest Growing & Management and Harvesting & Haulage sectors.
The Sawmilling & Processing sector is well represented with a small number of projects received for the Wood Panel & Board Production, Timber Manufactured Products, Pulp & Paper and Timber Merchandising sectors. 56% of learners are undertaking individual units of national competency or skills sets, 9% are undertaking Certificate/Diploma training, and 35% are undertaking industry-endorsed training.
The flexibility of the TSDS program allows applicants to receive funding for training in areas such as new and emerging technology where there are clear benefits to industry. Examples of this type of training include drone training, cable assisted harvesting and forest protection aerial pesticide application technology.
Revised Guidelines and application documentation incorporating the fund extension are now available on the ForestWorks website.
Workforce Development Plans
The TSDS fund provides the opportunity for organisations to have workforce development plans developed by RTOs to identify future training needs.
As an example, Ta Ann engaged Arbre Forest Industries Training and Careers Hub Inc. to determine the best way to address their current and future training needs. The availability of the fund meant that Ta Ann was able to apply for, and was approved, to have Arbre compile eight workforce development plans across both of their production sites in Smithton and Southwood. Completing these workforce development plans has created a clear plan for the training and development of their staff.
“We are very satisfied with TSDS and the training that is being funded under it,” said Troy Geeves of Ta Ann. “I am very satisfied with the workforce development plans completed by Arbre.”
