Some of the core skills for work across the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and ecosystem management (AHC) sector have been revised as part of recent projects, bringing them in line with changes in technology, systems and regulations, as well as updated skills in biosecurity, environmental sustainability, quality assurance and work health and safety.

As these units appear in many places across the training package, several qualifications and skill sets that were not part of the original projects need to be updated to incorporate the updated units.

Your feedback is encouraged on the proposed updates to the qualifications and skill sets, so that any implications can be considered.

Draft documents are now available for your comment via surveys. Information sessions are also available for you to register for to learn more about the project and how to provide feedback. 

To view the proposed changes and have your say, visit the project page

Workshops Coming Soon

Research is taking place into the feasibility and viability of an agricultural trade apprenticeship pathway to encourage new entrants to the industry. 

A steering committee has been put together to guide the research, including employers, industry bodies, unions and other relevant parties. The committee will have its first meeting on 19 September. 

Work is underway to organise a series of workshops around the country to gather insights about a potential agriculture trade pathway. Dates and registration details will be available soon.

Further opportunities to provide input will be available if you cannot make these sessions. 

For more information, visit the project page

Survey Results

A project is underway to review three forest and wood products  units which describe the skills for felling trees with a chainsaw at a basic, intermediate and advanced level.

These units are used in a range of environments in which manual tree felling skills are required, including in arboriculture and agricultural settings. 

Consultation is taking place throughout this project to determine the number of trees required to be felled to demonstrate competence. It is important that the number outlined does not create a barrier for training providers to offer training, while also supporting competence and safety of learners.

A survey was distributed to all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with at least one of these units in their scope of registration, inviting feedback on the units and the number of trees specified. Further input will be sought from stakeholders in the coming stages of the project. 

To read the full report, visit the project page