Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council (WA) Inc

26/09/2025

Good to see podcasts being used - great for listeners to participate when they can.

So, important that we keep WA free from the Varroa Mite. Essential listening for beekeepers.

🎧🐝 Keep the Bees Buzzing – Podcast Series 🐝🎥

We’re excited to share a new series of podcasts and videos created through the Keep the Bees Buzzing project, supported by the APC Beekeepers Committee and facilitated by Maree Gooch of Value Creators.

This program brings industry voices together to share knowledge, stories, and ideas to strengthen and secure the future of Australian beekeeping.

Our first interview features Steve Fuller, Director of Buzz & Growth at BeeSTAR. Steve is a leader in multiple national and state beekeeping associations and is passionate about educating people on the vital role bees play in our food chain.

👉 Listen now: https://keepthebeesbuzzing.podbean.com/

Stay tuned for more conversations from leaders across our industry!
https://www.bicwa.com.au/keep-the-bees-buzzing

WA Apiarists' Society

26/09/2025

Parents, teachers, career practitioners..... opportunity to promote our agricultural industry to potential future workers.

Look for DPIRD's display at this year's Royal Perth Royal Show.

24/09/2025

So important to learn how to protect WA from that nasty little mite.

🐝 Beekeeper Sundowner – Breeding Varroa-Resistant Bees 🐝

We’re thrilled to announce a special information evening for all WA beekeepers!

✨ Julien Duwez from Arista Bee Research (Netherlands) will join us online to share his findings from time spent in WA earlier this year, exploring how varroa-resistant bee breeding could succeed in our unique landscape.

📍 In-person tickets: from $25 (includes drinks, nibbles & access to the recording after the event)

💻 Online tickets: $5 (includes access to the recording after the event)

Stay after the talks for a relaxed sundowner — enjoy drinks, nibbles, and networking with fellow beekeepers. You’ll also have the chance to meet our director candidates.

👉 Don’t miss this chance to learn, prepare, and connect!

📅 Friday, 10 October 2025, start 5 pm
📍 Unit 3 / 14 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley 6102

🎟️ Book your spot now:
https://www.bicwa.com.au/event-details/beekeeper-sundowner-strong-bees-strong-future-preparing-wa-for-varroa

24/09/2025

Have a flair for clothing design and manufacturing? And want to transition it into a business? This program would certainly help. Well done to NM TAFE for offering this as a skill set/short course.

*NEW SATURDAY TIME SLOT!
✨Fashion Business Fundamentals SKILL SET 📊
📆 Saturdays 9.30am - 12.00pm
Due to commence October 18th
Perth Campus (2.5hrs over 7 weeks)

📈 Transform your fashion sense into a successful fashion business. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to start and grow a fashion or textile based business by completing this customised skill set.

Beginning with an exploration of different business models of product launch and growth, you’ll be equipped with the tools to develop a a realistic business plan and effective marketing strategies for your individual creative project. You’ll learn business basics including the legal, copyright and intellectual property around creative designs.

You’ll also cover the essential steps to develop and manufacture your label from scratch, looking at the pros and cons of local and offshore options. Be empowered to make the most of your skills and to outsource other aspects of the business as necessary. The role of marketing in a successful fashion business will also be explored, looking at trends and how to exploit your point of difference to market your label effectively.

Whether you are already in the workforce, a current Fashion and Textile Design student, or graduate, a textile designer, or simply exploring your options in the fashion industry, this course will help equip you with the knowledge you need to take the next step.

https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/courses/fashion-
business-fundamentals-skill-set

Classes are conveniently scheduled on Saturday mornings for 7 weeks, so you can still meet regular day time commitments while upgrading your skills.

24/09/2025

Very handy skill set to have and also important skills if you want to enter the clothing manufacturing/fashion sector. Good introductory program!

🌟GARMENT ALTERATIONS SKILL SET ✂️
📆 Mondays 5.30pm - 8.30pm
Commences Monday 13th October
Perth Campus (3hrs over 8 weeks)

Are you keen to learn more about altering and repairing garments?

Master the art of alterations and learn to sew in a supportive, industry-standard environment!

This is the perfect course if you are looking for employment in the alterations industry or would like to know more about repairing and altering your own clothes.

Learn how to sew on industry-standard industrial sewing machines in an inclusive and professional environment.

Check link in our bio or visit: https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/courses/garment-alterations-skill-set

24/09/2025

FFTITC's Nimble News - Have your say on workforce and training issues + other handy information. - https://mailchi.mp/a5579adb2477/fftitc-nimble-news-24-september-10147951

17/09/2025

Great turnout at the AgriSkills Forum in Cunderdin!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us in the Wheatbelt for a day of valuable insights and collaboration on the future of agricultural skills and training.

Our MC, Ann Maree O'Callaghan guided a lineup of engaging speakers who explored agriculture, technology, and workforce development in this fast-paced industry.

Highlights included:
🔹 Central Regional TAFE – Plans to deliver a Certificate IV in Agriculture via a dedicated RPL program in 2026
🔹 Skills Insight – Progress toward an Agricultural Trade Apprenticeship
🔹 CSIRO – Future-focused research on scenarios for agriculture by 2050
🔹 Wheatbelt Business Network – Overview of funding programs to boost jobs and skills in the region.

We wrapped up with a lively discussion on strengthening urban–rural student engagement through a proposed immersive 5-day agricultural experience - an exciting step toward building stronger pathways into the sector.

👏 Huge thanks to the WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin for the warm hospitality, and to everyone who made the trip to support skills development in ag.

WA College of Agriculture - Cunderdin Value Creators South Regional TAFE CSIRO

16/09/2025

Good idea for Christmas presents! Plus learn new skills and be creative.

🔥 NEW! 🔥
✨T-Shirt Screen Printing SHORT COURSE👕
📆 Tuesdays 5.30pm - 8.00pm
Due to commence October 14th
Perth Campus (2.5hrs over 6 weeks)

Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone with a flair for fashion, this short course is your gateway into wearable design. You’ll walk away with several finished T-shirts and a working knowledge of the screen printing process.

Our instructor Tom has extensive experience in the screen-printing industry and has tons of information to share!

Click the link in our bio or search on https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au

16/09/2025

Great career opportunity - work in an industry that you love and train our future workforce. Win Win!

16/09/2025

We love posts like this because it emphasizes that you can be a 'career changer' any time of life. Be like Lou and decide on a career that you love. ....if its as a Vet nurse, even better.

Discover how Lou transformed her career at 58 to become a Veterinary Nurse. From studying with AVT to working at Furlife Vet and Equine Hospital, Lou’s story shows it’s never too late to follow your passion for animals.

14/09/2025

Great initiative to get children exposed to native animals. Might inspire a future vet or zookeeper!!

Spring School Holiday Wildlife Adventures! 🐾🌿

Join us for hands-on, educational, and unforgettable wildlife experiences these school holidays!🦉

🔬 Saving the Wild
Step into the world of a wildlife vet with hospital tours, mock triage & native animal care.
Monday 29 September | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday 2 October | 10:00am – 12:00pm

🦎 Remarkable Reptiles
Get up close with snakes & lizards while learning about their habitats and importance.
Monday 6 October | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Friday 10 October | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

🐨 Rescue, Rehab, Release
Become a wildlife rescuer! Try hands-on care activities, rescue demos & soft toy triage.
Saturday 4 October | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Friday 10 October | 10:00am – 12:00pm

🌱 Habitat Heroes
Help our baby birds! Learn what wildlife need to survive & build nests to support them.
Thursday 9 October | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

🎟️ Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DFMEX

📍 Limited spots – don’t miss out!

11/09/2025

Grant opportunity for the animal welfare sector!

WA is wild about animal welfare! 🐾 Our furry, feathered and scaly friends deserve the best care 💚

Applications are now open for the Animal Welfare Grant Program. Community and not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to support animal welfare projects.

This is the perfect opportunity to make a pawsitive impact in WA! 🐶🐱

11/09/2025

The flooring sector plays a crucial part of the construction industry yet many still only think of plumbing, electrical or carpentry as a career choice.

Be like Dylan and chose an apprenticeship in Flooring. It is a fantastic sector to work in.

FCIATA congratulates Dylan Baker of Choices Flooring by Bel Air on successfully completing his flooring apprenticeship.

Dylan is proud to have reached this milestone, gaining valuable skills and in-depth knowledge that allow him to deliver high-quality work.
He appreciated the freedom of on-the-job training and the guidance of experienced mentors, which helped build his confidence and capability in the trade.

Thinking about a future in flooring installation? Contact FCIATA to learn how an apprenticeship can set you on the path to a rewarding career.

Suchitra Ahlawat
National RTO Manager
P: 0478 315 658 E: sahlawat@fcia.org.au

11/09/2025

We are very lucky to have WA Agricultural Colleges! Students get relevant and immersive experiences in agriculture which prepares them for lots of hopefully future career choices in the sector. Well done to all.

10/09/2025

We hope you enjoy our latest Nimble News - Congratulations to WA Training Awards winners. Plus we have included heaps of other useful information, new reports and opportunities to have your say. https://mailchi.mp/2d8e8a5236e7/fftitc-nimble-news-10-september-2025

08/09/2025

Congratulations to Southwest cabinetmaker Lewis Italiano, who was named WA Apprentice of the Year at the WA Training Awards on Friday, 5 September 2025.

This post which is 4 years ago, demonstrated how passionate Lewis was about furniture and cabinet maker and he impressed people way back then.

Forward to 2025 and he's just been named WA's Apprentice of the Year, he's completed his apprenticeship and is now a great ambassador for the industry and the VET system as a whole.

Well done Lewis Italiano. Well deserved.

Cabinet Makers Association of Western Australia - CMAWA South Regional TAFE

Janine visited Our Lady of Mercy College whilst doing her South West trip to visit the Forestry and Manufacturing sector. She caught up with Dale Briers the Head of Learning and Lewis.

Lewis is a year 12 student at the College and has a significant interest in furniture making. Lewis is studying a range of design and technology courses including:

- Materials and Wood Design
- Materials Metal Design and
- Building and Construction

Lewis has participated in the College’s Workplace Learning program this year. He has completed a number of industry placements with local businesses linked to furniture and cabinet making. These placements have provided Lewis with a clear understanding of the career opportunities available to him working in the furniture manufacturing sector.

Pic: Lewis made the pool table you see in the picture for his Design and Technology project! Amazing 🤩 Well done Lewis.

FIFWA
WAFMA
Cabinet Makers Association of Western Australia - CMAWA

05/09/2025

Looks like a very comprehensive program and would give you the skills to be able to help and rehabilitate our native animals. Worth looking into if that's the type of career you want to get into.

26/08/2025

Here's a copy of our latest FFTITC's Nimble News. We are hosting several Skills Advisory Network meetings in September and October. If you are interested, click the links in the newsletter.
Plus we have included other links and handy resources - https://mailchi.mp/6f31798080f9/fftitc-nimble-news-27-august-2025 We hope you enjoy.

26/08/2025

We are hosting a number of Skills Advisory Meetings in September and October.

So, if you are an employer, RTO, Industry Association and are interested in being part of the conversation shaping the future of your workforce, then please see link below.

The AgriSkills Forum - 15 September
Green Skills Network meeting - 3rd October.
Frame and Truss Skills Network Meeting 26 September.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Network Meeting 3 October
Interior Design Network Meeting - Friday 17 October

Also appreciate you sharing it to your network!

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA College of Agriculture - Cunderdin Muresk Institute Central Regional TAFE South Metropolitan TAFE South Regional TAFE Turf Growers Association Western AustraliaLIAWA - Landscape Industries Association of WA Nursery & Garden Industry of WA WAFMA North Metropolitan TAFE North Regional TAFE

We are hosting several Skills Advisory Network meetings in September and October and would like to invite you to attend. Input from our Skills Advisory Network provides an opportunity for the food, fibre, and timber industries to influence decision making at the highest level of government on matter...

19/08/2025

For our TCF Industry Stakeholders: Australian Fashion Council is hosting a AI Future Webinar. on Tuesday 26th August 2025 Online.

AI is reshaping every corner of the fashion industry - accelerating creativity, improving decision-making, and driving smarter outcomes across the value chain.

Fashion’s AI Future is a focused webinar unpacking how artificial intelligence is transforming the fashion industry from product design to retail ex*****on.

To register, see below.

Australian Fashion Council

AFC Fashion's AI Future Webinar

19/08/2025

It's National Forestry Day!

Trees naturally sequester carbon and when they're sustainably processed and manufactured into different products that carbon is stored!

Trees are a renewable resource - bricks and mortar aren't.

Thanks to all those who work and support WA's forestry industry.