Nimble News 14 December 2022

2022 - Year in Review

2022 has been a bit of a challenging year for the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council (and probably most of our industries as well). It’s ironic that we report to government on skill shortages, and we were facing some as well.

We had long term staff leave us and difficulties in finding people to take their place. Our Industry Consultants have a unique skill set – they need to be very experienced in industry engagement, know a fair bit about the VET industry and a sound level of research and analysis skills. Not a lot of people around that can fit those needs!

So it was about 8 months in total, that we had at least one vacancy!

However, at the time of writing this, I am very pleased to advise that we now have a full staff contingent. We have Julia Fitzgerald, as our Team Support Officer; Tamara Boaden, Industry Consultant for the forestry, furniture and textiles sector, and Diane Smith who looks after agriculture, food production, animal care and horticulture. So we are looking forward to a very productive 2023!!

Click here for some of the highlights of 2022.

Other Nimble News Stories:

Announcement Jobs and Skills Councils establishment

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has announced the new Jobs and Skills Councils (ie Industry Clusters). These are national bodies who will drive collaboration to address workforce challenges and ensure qualifications are developed to meet the needs of industry. Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council will be working closely with the Agribusiness and Manufacturing Jobs and Skills Councils.

Have your say – National VET Reform

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is asking for feedback on Qualification Reforms via an online survey. Deadline 17 March 2023.

Have your say – Perception and Status of VET

The House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has commenced an inquiry into the perceptions and status of VET. Submission invited prior to 1 March 2023.

Great Resource for small businesses and those thinking of starting one:

The Small Business Development Corporation.

Good News for the Australian Manufacturing industry

ABC News Story with Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, addressing the National Press Club about Australia’s $15b plan to bring back local manufacturing.