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FFTITC's Nimble News 4th February 2026

  • fftitc
  • 12 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Industry Spotlight:  WA Shearing Industry

 

The Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council would like to congratulate the WA Shearing Association (WASIA) on their new initiative “Beyond The Shed”.  Their slogans are “New Skills. Stronger Community” and “New Skills. Stronger Industry” which mirror our values as well.   

 

Beyond the Shed is a comprehensive new program designed and delivered by WASIA to assist shearing contractors to diversify their businesses. This will help contractors offer a wider range of rural services in their local areas, providing them with year-round work. 

 

The program aims to retain skilled contractors and teams in regional WA, support local economies and communities, and ensure the continuation of essential agricultural services. 

 

WASIA will coordinate training opportunities for contractor teams, so they have the skills to undertake a broader range of agricultural and regional work outside, and around, the traditional shearing season. 

 

Key outcomes of the program include:


  • Supporting year-round employment for workers in shearing contractor businesses

  • Building business and management capability for local contractors

  • Providing workers with certifications and training required to safely and confidently undertake new work

  • Promoting the program to farming, agricultural, rural and regional businesses so they are aware they can contact their local Beyond The Shed registered contractors for a range of services


Beyond the Shed is funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

 

For more information on the program, click here

To view a video and hear from WASIA and their contractors as to what the project means for them, click here.

 

We  congratulate WASIA on their support and commitment to the Shearing Industry and  look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of their project.  Well  done to all.


Other News and Handy Information


The Cook Government has released the first ever urban greening strategy for Perth and Peel.

 

The health of Western Australia's rivers and estuaries will be further safeguarded for future generations thanks to a major funding boost for sustainable farming initiatives.

 

Employers and workers across the forestry and wood products industry are invited to register interest in nationally aligned, flexible micro-credentials designed to build capability and support progression towards a qualification.

 

Free access to export assistance to TCF sole traders, micro, small, medium size businesses across Australia looking to update and improve their exporting skills of goods or services through a series of export related topics

 

Migration Workshops: Upcoming schedule of skilled and workforce visa webinars

The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, is hosting a schedule of skilled and workforce visa webinars for February 2026.


 

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), in collaboration with Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) have developed resources, designed to connect your students with real-world food and fibre systems through hands-on, curriculum-aligned activities!


Farmers in the Greater Esperance Region are invited to attend an information session hosted by the WorkSafe WA Agricultural team 11 February 2026.

 

Work is underway to develop a refined draft Certificate II in Rural Operations  You are invited to register for a consultation workshop to discuss the updated qualification and available feedback methods

 

Forestry Australia is seeking applications from both mentors and mentees. The Mentoring Program is built around a practical framework and toolkit that supports effective knowledge sharing, skill development and ongoing professional growth for all participants. 

 

Online consultations focusing specifically on the Leather & Footwear production sectors are being held: 


Leather Production: 11am – 12.30pm Thursday 12 February 2026

Footwear Manufacturing: 1.30pm – 3pm Thursday 12 February 2026

 

These sessions are designed to capture detailed insights from industry, training providers and other stakeholders to inform the national skills mapping

 

The Semester 1 Professional Learning Program is now live, and both online and in-person sessions are booking fast

 

Lena Constantine, from WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) has written an article that raises some very important points on improving the apprenticeship process. 


The Forest Carbon Balance Evidence Review brings together the latest science on forest carbon dynamics, demonstrating that sustainable forest management plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, and climate resilience.


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

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