The WA timber industry has made a positive impact on teachers by investing in education. This week, the Leschenault Timber Industry Club and Forest Industries Federation of WA (FIFWA) will hold its second teacher tour for the year, with the aim of raising awareness on the diversity of career options within the industry. Source: Timberbiz
The first tour held in July, hosted 33 Vocational Education and Training specialists from 22 schools and businesses, with extremely positive feedback from all involved.
The tour itineraries included a trip to the Wellington Discovery Forest guided by industry experts, a visit to Wespine and the chipping facilities at Bunbury Wharf.
Another tour is planned for the Great Southern region next month.
Forest Industries Federation of WA (FIFWA) Executive Director Melissa Haslam said the feedback from teachers who attended the tour echoed a common sentiment.
“Most people are astounded by the sheer variety of job opportunities within the WA timber industry,” Mrs Haslam said.
“That is why investing in education is so important, we want teachers to understand and we want students to understand, that there are many different pathways to a career in our sustainable industry.
“The WA timber industry creates around 6000 jobs, directly and indirectly, with 90% of those located in regional WA.
“This is an investment in the future.”
Last month, the industry also took part in the Nearer to Nature South West event at Mangrove Cove, Bunbury, which is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Over two days, more than 200 students from six different South West primary schools participated in hands-on learning activities run by local groups and organisations, including the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and WAPRES.
All the activities were linked to the education curriculum and those designed around the WA timber industry provided a fun platform for the students to learn all about wood and wood products, with one of the most popular facts being that toilet paper comes from trees.
Teacher and student feedback from the Mangrove Cove event were resoundingly positive and it was hailed a success by all involved.
“The kids enjoyed this, it was fun and informative,” one of the teachers said.
