BLOG Nov 2023

The Annual WA Jobs, Education and Training (WAJET) Survey

Once again THANK YOU for your advice to us in 2023 on occupation and skill needs within the food, fibre and timber industries.

Your input has contributed to many occupations being recognised by the State Government as STATE PRIORITY 1 on the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL). The SPOL influences the delivery of vocational education and training, through delivery scope, fee setting and the purchasing of training from private, registered training organisations.

State Priority 1 Occupations include:

Crop Farmers
Livestock Farmers
Mixed crop and livestock farmers
Broadacres crop growers
Horticultural crop growers
Mixed production farmers
Agricultural and forestry scientists
Floor finishers
Gardeners
Arboriculture Workers
Landscape gardeners and irrigation technicians
Cabinetmakers.

Other Priority Occupations include:

Food and wine scientists, Veterinarians, VET teachers, Primary products inspectors, Glaziers, Bakers and pastry cooks, Butchers and smallgoods makers, Veterinary nurses, Agricultural technicians, Shearers and wool classers, Crop farm workers, Aquaculture farmers, Animal attendants and trainers, Greenkeepers, Nurserypersons, Senior aquaculture, crop and forestry workers, Senior livestock farm workers, Canvas and leather goods makers, Clothing trades workers, Upholsterers, Wood machinists, Sewing machinists, Laundry workers, Food and drink factory workers, Meat boners and slicers, and slaughterers, Meat, poultry and seafood process workers, Livestock farm workers deck and fishing hands.

We are currently carrying out consultation activities for the State Priority Occupation List for 2024. While the advice provided in 2023 is still relevant, we do wish to maintain ongoing, meaningful engagement with our stakeholders. Here's how you can help us:

Attend an industry-specific skills network meeting

Please join us in January 2024 via MS Teams or in person at our office in East Victoria Park. Simply register your interest by emailing admin@fftitc.com.au. We will email a reminder and an MS Teams link a couple of days before the meeting.

AgriHort Skills Network Meeting: Tues 9th Jan at 10am (includes dairy, livestock, cropping, shearing, wool, beekeeping, feedlots, agribusiness, agronomy and production horticulture - nuts, berries, vegetables, citrus, grapes, permaculture, protected horticulture).
Forestry Skills Network Meeting: Weds 10th Jan at 10am (includes forest growing and management, logging, sawmilling, wood processing).
Food & Drink Skills Network Meeting: Mon 15th Jan at 10am (includes food processing, seafood, meat processing, butchery, brewing, wine making, small goods).
Green Skills Network Meeting: Tues 16th Jan at 10am (includes turf, irrigation, nursery, arboriculture, landscaping, conservation and ecosystem management, parks & gardens).
Smart Manufacturing Network Meeting: Wed 17th Jan at 10am (includes glass processing & glazing, cabinet making, furniture making, truss & frame, upholstery, specialised textile manufacture, flooring).
Animal Care Skills Network Meeting: Fri 19th Jan at 10am (includes veterinary services, pet grooming, companion and assistance animals, exhibited animals, animal rescue).

Have a one-on-one conversation with an industry consultant

If you prefer to provide your thoughts by email or have a chat, please contact us:

diane@fftitc.com.au for agriculture, production horticulture, amenity horticulture, conservation & land management, food & beverage.
bernadette@fftitc.com.au for forest and forest products, furnishing (includes manufacturing – cabinet making, glazing, flooring), textiles, clothing & allied services.
kay.gerard@fftitc.com.au for animal care and aquaculture.