FFTITC's Nimble News 18th February 2026
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCING OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Our board members play a vital role in shaping the direction and impact of the Food, Fibre & Timber Industry Training Council. They bring deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to strengthening Western Australia’s workforce across our diverse sectors.
We are highlighting our board members to recognise the expertise and leadership they contribute every day.
As Geoff Richards has been with the FFTITC since its inception in 2009 we thought we’d start off with him.
It’s also Richgro Garden Products 110 year anniversary with Richgro’s story starting in 1916, in Western Australia, a family business built in an era when communities relied on local merchants and practical supply. Richgro has been proudly Australian owned and family operated over four generations! So, its a big congratulations to Geoff and his team - we look forward to many more years of Richgro bringing our gardens to life.
To read more about Richgro’s 110 year anniversary, please click here
HIGHLIGHTING
WA Training Awards Now Open
We have so many fabulous students doing amazing with their studies as well as employers who are committed to upskilling their staff and then we have RTOs and lecturers who are inspirational to their students and are changing lives.
So we need to see these being recognised in this year's WA Training Awards. It's not bragging or anything, its recognizing excellence!!
Awards are NOW OPEN! To find out how to enter (or encourage someone else to do so), please click here.
UWA PLUS Agricultural Technology AENGN400
UWA is offering a Agricultural Technology micro-credential designed to address the skills shortage across Australian agriculture by preparing a workforce capable of understanding, developing, adopting, and leveraging emerging agricultural technologies.
Learners will be equipped with a strong foundation in agricultural technology and exposure to agricultural engineering more broadly, empowering them to pursue and advance careers in the field.
For more information, click here.
Other News and Handy Information
The Cook Government congratulates Western Australia's valuable grains industry on delivering a 27.352 million-tonne harvest, the largest on record.
Round 9 of the Aboriginal Ranger Program is now open, with $62.5 million in funding available to support new and established Aboriginal ranger groups across regional Western Australia. Eligible Aboriginal organisations have until Monday, 9 March to apply
Employing an apprentice or trainee is a long-term investment and effective supervision is key to their success. This free training helps you to mentor, communicate, and coach effectively, manage challenges early, and create a safe, respectful, and productive workplace.
Award recipients research a topic to add value to the Australian primary industry sector and have 15-weeks of purposeful learning and unique access to our approachable, global agricultural network. Applications close 8 May 2026.
The People and Capability Program is a new pilot that will fund practical, industry-led initiatives to address workforce pressures with our Levied and Emerging Industries. The program aims to support solutions that attract, develop and retain people, while building a stronger, more resilient agricultural industry.
RE:Fashion is launching with 12-weeks of free activation at Yagan Square, combining hands on repair, themed clothes swaps, learning moments and sewing support. Every Thursday from March 12 – May 28
Designed for small to medium residential landscaping businesses, this is an opportunity to showcase quality projects without competing in large commercial categories. Finalists will be presented at The Perth Garden Show (17–19 April 2026), offering a high-profile platform to highlight innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship, and professionalism—while showcasing the value of professional association membership
MINTRAC has advised that the project has now been formally endorsed, and all components are live on the National Training Register. Here is a link to the release.
The Ord Valley's first season of local cotton processing in Western Australia's north has come to an end after a record-breaking harvest.
More than 81,000 bales were processed at the Kimberley Cotton Gin in its inaugural season.
A new report by Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance – Better Manufacturing Apprenticeship Outcomes – aims to address practical steps to lift completions and address the manufacturing industry’s skills
Apprenticeships are essential to meeting workforce demand in critical industries. This TAFETalks event explores how strong partnerships between employers and TAFEs boost apprenticeship commencements and completions - and how these relationships can be strengthened to expand future opportunities. : Mar 18, 2026 11:00
Did you know that there is an apprenticeship in Arboriculture? Fantastic career with lots of opportunities here in WA. ArbWest has developed a video which will hopefully inspire your students to join the industry.
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) has successfully supported the development of AI-driven fully automated robotic beef scribing systems at two Australian processing facilities, marking a significant step in the adoption of advanced automation in the red meat processing industry.
We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council
Comments