FFTITC's Nimble News 16 September 2026
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Why we love apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are the best way for vocational training to be delivered! Firstly, they give people a job and the chance to earn while they learn, build practical skills in a real workplace and work towards a nationally recognised qualification at the same time.
One of the biggest advantages of an apprentice or trainee is that they are not just sitting in a classroom learning the theory. They are also learning on the job, working with experienced people and developing the skills employers are looking for.
For employers, taking on an apprentice is not just about filling a vacancy. It is an opportunity to develop someone to suit the needs of your business. An apprentice or trainee learns your systems, your customers, your equipment and the way your workplace operates. Over time, they can become a valuable part of the team.
Click here to read the full article and also access some handy links and resources
Talking Training Sense: If apprenticeships are the gold standard, treat them like it
The Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council would like to commend Lena Constantine, from Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and State Training Board member, on a recent article she wrote on LinkedIn. The sentiments that Lena conveyed echoed those of the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council, particularly in the importance of apprenticeships and traineeships for the future workforce of WA.
To read Lena’s article, please click here. (please note, this is via LinkedIn, so you may need to be an existing user)
National Ag Day (20 November) is a chance for your students to learn where their food and fibre really come from and to celebrate the people that grow it.
Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia’s (PIEFA) also has a range of classroom resources, eLearning courses, Farmer Time sessions and agriculture career pathways.
OTHER NEWS AND INFORMATION
Women have dominated the 2026 WA Training Awards, taking out seven of the eight individual honours at this year's event.
This paper explores how self-employment responds to changing economic conditions, including how some people start businesses to pursue new opportunities during periods of growth, while others turn to self-employment when paid work is harder to find.
The Cook Labor Government is continuing to invest in regional racing across Western Australia, with upgrades at Carnarvon Race Club helping create local jobs, boost tourism and secure the long-term future of racing in the Gascoyne.
Australian Government grants assisting Western Australian sheep producers and processors to enhance on-farm and processing infrastructure have been awarded in the second round of the $40 million Supply Chain Capacity Program.
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to back Australia’s forestry sector and is today announcing new grants and initiatives that will be delivered through the Forestry Growth Fund. The Government will be investing $150 million.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, celebrating the leadership, innovation, and contribution of women across rural and regional Australia.
The Cook Labor Government is supporting 39 community-driven projects across Western Australia with almost $7 million in funding to protect and restore the State's diverse and valuable natural assets.
A new practical guide will help Aboriginal organisations explore business and employment opportunities in Western Australia's growing aquaculture industry.
The Cook Labor Government has committed $1.5 million in funding to the South West's first dedicated wildlife hospital as part of Western Australia's bird flu response.
The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification has recently published the August profile on WA's economy, international trade and major industries.
The Sports Turf Association of WA (STAWA) is recruiting an Executive Officer to support its members and continue strengthening the sports turf industry throughout Western Australia.
Circular Fashion Festival is WA’s bold new celebration of circular designers, sustainable fashion and creativity. This isn't a moment, it's a movement. This isn't a runway, it’s a revolution. This is Circular Fashion.
A new review is underway to investigate workforce demand, training barriers and pathway opportunities for textile mechanics across Australia’s textiles, clothing and footwear sector.
Certificate III meat processing qualifications, and related skill sets and units, are being updated to better reflect industry needs and training package requirements.
Initial drafts have been developed, and Skills Insight is requesting feedback.
The draft training products are now available for stakeholder review and feedback. Webinars are being held on Wednesday 16 September 2026 (11:00 am to 12:00 pm) and Friday 18 September 2026 (11:00 am to 12:00 pm). Input from employers, employees, registered training organisations, industry associations and other stakeholders is being sort.
A new guide on the process for assessment of foundation skills has been issued for the guidance of training providers. The Principles to Guide Foundation Skills Assessment is intended to support a nationally consistent approach to assessing prospective learners’ foundation skills prior to enrolment in training.
Get Involved! This year’s theme is “Safe work is for Life” and Work Safe has a range of focus areas, webinars and other activities for the month.
It’s that time of the year! Your Career has a great resource “the School Leavers Information Kit” which can help school leavers uncover all the education, training, and employment options available to them.
Catch an automated drone demonstration and see the technology in action, with drones showing off what they can do above Smart Farms. From their growing role in agriculture to a mini drone show, it’s a chance to see some seriously clever tech take to the sky.
We hope this information has been useful to you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council
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