FFTITC's Nimble News 4th March 2026
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCING OUR BOARD MEMBERS
We continue to highlight our board members who play a vital role in shaping the direction and impact of the Food, Fibre & Timber Industry Training Council.
Today, we introduce you to Darren Culverwell who has been our Chair for several years. As you can see by the information above, Darren is very passionate about skills development and how it contributes to the productivity, succession and resilience of an industry.
To learn more about Darren, here is his LinkedIn profile.
HIGHLIGHTING
Irrigation Technology Training in WA – Industry Forum & Roundtable
Wednesday 1 April 2026
Food Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council (FFTITC) is bringing together industry stakeholders for a focused Forum & Roundtable to explore current workforce challenges and identify practical, industry-led solutions for strengthening WA’s Irrigation Technology workforce.
If you’re an employer, contractor, trainer, supplier, or industry representative working in irrigation technology and would like to be part of the conversation, we invite you to join us.
Other News and Handy Information
Other information, reports and events
Four Western Australian TAFEs are teaming up with industry to share $1.4 million in grants to advance innovative clean energy training across the State.
The first round of the Supply Chain Capacity Program grants, valued at $20 million, are set to flow to Western Australian sheep producers and processors to bolster capital investment and build productivity.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2026 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, rewarding and celebrating health and safety initiatives across Western Australian workplaces.
The Productivity Commission has delivered its Five pillars of productivity inquiry reports and Competition Policy Analysis to government. Relevant to VET is “Building a skilled and adaptable workforce”. the Productivity Commission has focused on recommendations to enhance the productive capacity of the workforce by providing more Australians with opportunities to learn and work.
This guide is designed to give Western Australians the opportunity to view a vast array of apprenticeship and traineeship career options that are available in businesses operating in WA, in one place.
New research by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre reveals how migration, mining investment, and policy choices will shape the state's demographic future.
The AEU has released its 2026 State of Our TAFE report, which shows that despite a recent injection in funding, the sector is still crying out for help. Responses from 1,696 TAFE teachers across the country, the report shows widespread workload intensification, staff shortages and declining retention, even as enrolments surge under a reinvigorated TAFE system.
UWA Agriculture in Education: Opportunities for Industry
The University of Western Australia (UWA), in partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), is expanding support for secondary schools and working with industry to increase the visibility of agriculture as a vibrant, future‑focused career pathway.
Specialised Textiles Association in collaboration with North Metropolitan TAFE, offer valuable upskilling opportunities for experienced people. Whether you’re training, learning, or leading, this workshop is a chance to strengthen your skills, broaden your network, and support the future of the trade.
The Slow Fashion Hub now has a physical home. This space is being activated primarily as a shared upcycling and education hub for circular fashion.
Funding is available for schools and community groups to deliver projects that increase tree canopy and urban greening across Perth and Peel. Projects can be on public or private land where there is a clear community benefit, including schools, parks, verges, community spaces and neighbourhood hubs
Belmont BEC and TCF Australia present a series of very practical workshops on digital transformations for small businesses. First one is “The 24/7 Service Desk: Handling Enquiries While You Sleep”
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the Australian labour market, drawing on current data, recent trends, and future employment projections to support informed career development practice. Wed, Mar 11, 2026.
The review will consider both domestic matters and global issues affecting Australian growers, importers and exporters, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), conflict timber and updates to illegal logging regulations.
To support a modern, technology‑focused workforce for the forestry and wood processing industry, this project is developing training programs that can begin while learners are still at school, and can also support post‑school new entrants as a pathway into employment.
This report highlights that expanding school‑based pathways, strengthening apprenticeship quality, and scaling GTO-led support models are essential to lifting completion rates and ensuring a reliable, job‑ready workforce.
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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