End of Year Wrap-Up for 2025: Reflecting on Our Achievements

This is our last Nimble News for the year. We’ve been reflecting on the past 12 months, which seems to have flown by. We’ve put together a summary of what industry has been telling us about their workforce issues. We also highlight the activities we've undertaken to alleviate these challenges.

We thank our stakeholders, industry representatives, staff, and volunteer Board for their continued collaboration and commitment. Looking ahead, FFTITC remains focused on supporting a workforce development environment that enables growth and innovation—now and into the future.

We wish everyone a safe and happy festive season. We look forward to working with you in 2026. To read the full article, please click here.

Meeting Outcomes with Parliamentary Secretary Ms Jodie Hanns

FFTITC CEO, Tony Palladino, provided an update on a meeting held on Monday, 1 December 2025, with Ms Jodie Hanns MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon Amber Jade Sanderson MLA (Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; Manufacturing; Skills and TAFE; Pilbara), and the Member for Collie Preston. Ms Hanns was supported by Ms Olivia Mayo from the Minister’s Office.

To read the full article, please click here.

Changes to Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System from 1 January 2026

In our last Nimble News, we advised about changes to the apprenticeship incentive scheme. Our CEO, Tony Palladino, summarised all the information for the FFTITC board. We thought it might be useful for a wider audience.

To read the full summary, click here.

Have Your Say: 2025 WAJET Survey

Please have your say! We are currently providing the WA government with industry intelligence. This helps them allocate resources to meet the skills, education, and training needs of the WA workforce. Our survey collects industry intelligence on the skill needs of our sectors. Participate, and you could win a $100 Myer voucher!

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Other News and Handy Information

State-wide Reforms to Protect Fish for Future Generations

The Western Australian Government has announced important reforms across WA's coastline. These reforms aim to protect demersal fish like pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish from extinction. They also help stocks recover for future generations.

Targeted Funding Supports Jobs, Housing, and Health Priorities

The Cook Government continues its targeted investment to deliver jobs, housing, and health benefits for Western Australians. This includes ongoing support for TAFE and programs to attract skilled workers to the State.

New Skilled Start Loans for Home Ownership

A new Keystart loan for apprentices, graduates, and skilled construction workers is now available. This provides another pathway to home ownership for younger Western Australians.

For Forestry Workers & Employers: Forestry Workforce Training Program

This program enables workers to gain formal recognition for skills developed through work experience, informal training, and past study.

Webinar: Global Market Opportunities 2026

Hosted by the Export Council of Australia, this webinar explores emerging global trends, evolving regulatory landscapes, and key market opportunities across multiple regions. Join us on Thu, 12 Feb 2026, from 11 am to 12:30 pm AWST.

Seminar: Supplying Timber Systems on Jan 16, 2026

WoodSolutions is hosting a seminar aimed at those involved in the Perth timber system supply chain. This event will update and educate timber manufacturers and suppliers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build their confidence and businesses.

Livestock Transport Training Project Draft Training Products Open for Feedback

A new Skill Set for livestock transport drivers has been developed. This aims to set a benchmark for nationally consistent training and industry best practices. Industry Skills Australia would like your feedback on the draft products.

North Metro TAFE - Two New Skills Sets for Delivery in 2026

• Industry Spray Painting Techniques Skill Set: This skill set will help you build essential spray painting skills that could lead to an apprenticeship in Furniture Finishing.

  
  

• Machining Techniques and Furniture Assembly Skill Set: For aspiring furniture makers, students will develop essential skills needed to create and assemble furniture using both wood machinery and traditional hand tools.

  
  

For RTO Practitioners: VDC Professional Learning Program for 2026

VDC has released its 2026 professional development calendar for the VET sector. WA participants are welcome.

Skills Insight: VET Workforce Project

Stakeholders are invited to participate in the co-design of the Framework. Join roundtable and networking events being held online and around the country in early 2026.

Skills Insight: Essential Meat Processing Skills Project – Finalisation Update

The Training Package Assurance Body identified that some units required additional edits. This ensures alignment with the Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF).

Black Cockatoos Christmas Appeal

As Christmas approaches, we know that our iconic black cockatoos are in big trouble. They are forced out of their natural habitat by development and land clearance. They struggle to find food and are at increased risk of vehicle strikes as they are pushed closer to busy urban areas. Supporting the Trillion Trees Christmas fundraising appeal for black cockatoos means their volunteers can grow more food trees and plant more green corridors. This creates safe flying routes, giving our precious black cockatoos a fighting chance.

We wish everyone a very safe and festive season. We look forward to working with you in 2026.

We hope this has been of some assistance.

Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council