Australia’s construction sector has increased its use of engineered wood products (EWPs) like laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glue laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). Domestic manufacturing is being supplemented by a sharp increase in imported product. There have been recent Australian investments in EWP manufacturing facilities to offset these imports and provide sovereign capability. Uptake of VET qualifications in timber processing remains low and stakeholders have identified challenges relating to workforce capability, training access, recognition of prior learning and emerging skills requirements. This project will examine these issues to support current and future industry needs.
Project scope
This project will assist the engineered wood products sector to meet current and emerging skills needs, improve access to training and maximise return on training investment. The skills review will gather and analyse intelligence on current and emerging skills, technological changes and workforce growth projections, including expected sourcing of labour. The review will also analyse current training availability, the potential for increased recognition of prior learning (RPL) and drivers for increasing future enrolments.
This project will:
- identify current and emerging workforce skills requirements
- assess workforce capability and skills gaps
- evaluate alignment between workforce needs and existing training products
- investigate training delivery and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) opportunities
- identify barriers and enablers to training participation
- develop evidence-based recommendations to support workforce development, skills planning and future training product considerations
This project will not include changes to training package products.
Consultation approach
This project will use research, evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement to inform the skills review. A project working group will be established to support the project. Stakeholders will be engaged nationally through surveys, interviews, focus groups, webinars, site visits and other appropriate consultation methods.
Next steps
Stakeholders can expect consultation opportunities from October 2026. Updates and participation opportunities will be published throughout this project as key milestones are reached.
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Timeline
Project team
Louise Fitzpatrick
Project Manager
FibreSkills
[email protected]
Tim Cleary
Industry Engagement and Advisory Lead
FibreSkills
[email protected]
These Skills Insight JSC projects are being managed with the support of ForestWorks as part of their collaborative partnership with Skills Insight. ForestWorks has an enduring and strong connection working with the forestry, timber, paper, fibre and furnishing industries and have been engaged by Skills Insight to deliver these projects in partnership.