ForestWorks Victoria is the Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) for the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry and the furnishing industry.
To ensure there is strong industry leadership of the training system, the Victorian Government funds a network of 16 ITABs which are experts on training needs and delivery in their particular industries.
ITABs provide authoritative, independent information on training needs, and promote skills development and take-up of training by businesses in their industries.
The Skills Victoria website has further details about the ITAB network and its role in the Victorian training system.
About Skills Reform in Victoria
The Victorian Government’s $316 million Securing Jobs for Your Future – Skills for Victoria policy is the most fundamental reform of the training system in decades. It is designed to ensure that Victoria has the skilled workforce to meet the needs of our economy and secure our future prosperity.
Under this policy, all eligible Victorians are guaranteed a funded place for recognised training to lift their skill levels as part of the Victorian Training Guarantee. The training system is now more responsive to the needs of individuals and business. Industry has a central role in ensuring that training is undertaken in the right areas and at the right levels to meet the skill needs of business.
A Career in the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry
The word ‘forestry' makes us think of rows of tall trees stretching into the distance and it's true - growing trees is where the industry starts but it's much more than this. The trees need to be harvested, transported, cut to size, turned into wood products, turned into panels and boards, made into paper and finally sold to customers. It's a huge industry and the job and career opportunities are also vast.
A Career in the furnishing industry
The word 'furnishing' makes us think about our lounges, table and chairs - but the Australian furnishing industry is vast and has careers in furniture design, finishing and manufacturing. Roles include cabinet makers, wood machinists, furniture designers, carpenters and joiners as well as upholsterers, soft furnishings, blinds, awnings and musical instrument makers/repairers. Piano technology (tuning) specialists, stained glass and lead lighting makers as well as roles in dry cleaning and laundry, are all careers in the Australian furnishing industry.
Victorian Skills Pledge The Victorian Skills Pledge is a key initiative under the government’s Securing Jobs for Your Future – Skills for Victoria policy , and is a voluntary commitment by businesses to driving business improvement through appropriate upskilling of their employees. Taking the Victorian Skills Pledge is open to businesses of all sizes in the private, public and community sectors. It can be done quickly and simply through the online sign-up facility on the Skills Victoria website. Visit the website here: http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/industry/victorian-skills-pledge or complet the attached questionnaire when you click on this link and FurnITAC ITAB will enter the data for you. View the latest Victorian Skills Pledge DVD on YouTube here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n23t6w5GOtI
Skills for Growth
Skills for Growth: the Workforce Development Program provides a team of independent specialists who will work with you – free of charge – to identify your strategic business aims and objectives. Further information is available on the Business Victoria website.
Apprentices and Trainees
The Victorian Government and the Australian Government provide a range of incentives and assistance to support individuals and businesses with the uptake and successful completion of apprenticeships and traineeships. The Skills Victoria website has further details.
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To ensure there is strong industry leadership of the training system, the Victorian Government funds a network of 16 ITABs which are experts on training needs and delivery in their particular industries.
