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

20/01/2026

FFTITC's Nimble News -Here's our latest edition. We've included information on our Handy Links/Resources on our website + other news and reports. We hope you find this useful. - https://mailchi.mp/5839307b90ee/fftitc-nimble-news-21-january-2026

20/01/2026

This is a fantastic example of the skills involved in restoring and reupholstering old furniture. And giving it another 50 years of life (or more). Well done to Frank and his team.

19/01/2026

These workshops look fantastic. Great to see initiatives like this - opportunities for professional development, funded by Racing WA and hosted by Equestricare.

EOIs are being sort and details below.

Equestricare is very excited to be a part of the 2026 Off the Track WA Community Fund, an initiative of Racing WA.
As part of the Initiative we are offering a series of 6 workshops on equine health aimed at the OTT. These workshops will be free for OTTWA passport holders (also available to non passport holders).

The series includes 6 Workshops covering many topics that are relevant to OTT horses and riders.

1. Underneath the Skin (looking at the skeleton and anatomy of the Thoroughbred/Standardbred)
Using our bone lab and live horses, participants will explore the skeleton of the Thoroughbred and relate structural features to the live horse. This helps owners understand how conformation and skeletal stress from racing can affect movement and comfort..

2. How Your Horse Moves (Muscles, Muscles, Muscles)
This workshop will focus on the muscular system, with emphasis on the back and neck—common areas of strain in ex-racehorses.

3. Your Helping Hands (Massage techniques and Tools)
This workshop will cover practical training in massage techniques and the safe use of supportive tools to relieve tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. Owners will practice techniques and walk away with a routine they can use at home themselves.

4. Posture for Performance (Stretching & Strengthening Exercises)
This workshop will teach safe stretching, groundwork, and ridden exercises designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, build correct posture, and support long-term soundness of our equine partners.

5. Your racehorse Inside & Out (Body Systems & Nutrition)
This workshop will cover the major body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory) and how racing affects them, including the transition to a different diet post-racing. Owners learn to make informed choices around nutrition, feeding routines, and general care.

6. What tack is that? (Impact of Tack on Body and Behaviour)
This workshop will explore the differences between racing equipment and tack used in equestrian disciplines, including saddle fit and bit choice. The aim of this workshop is to help owners make informed, responsible choices and create a smoother transition into new careers.

Come along to all 6 workshops and get a free goody bag plus free access to the online course and books. Workshops will be held at our venue Quenda Glade Equine in Gidgegannup and run from 10-3 inc morning/afternoon tea. Participants can bring a horse or use one of ours.

Email info@equestricare.com.au to go on the mailing list or for more information.

19/01/2026

Did you know that Artifex Australia is WA based (Kelmscott) and is the largest furniture manufacturer in Perth.. Every thing is made here in WA and shipped throughout the country.

Good to see they are full of energy in 2026!! That's what we like to see.

19/01/2026

Our Industry Consultant, Bernadette Amos recently attending (and presented) a forum hosted by Timber Insight and WoodSolutions. The timber frame and truss industry is buzzing with potential and FFTITC looking forward to working with the industry in 2026!

Attending events like this are so valuable to the FFTITC as enable us to understand the real drivers behind the industry - what they think their future will look like, what they are worried about etc. There was agreement on skills training and what we need to do to bring that up to speed, what the opportunities are and pitfalls.

Thanks to Timber Insight and WoodSolutions for the opportunity!

14/01/2026

Well done Rachel (and also AVT) Good example of how careers in the Animal Care sector can begin. Hopefully Rachel will have a very long and prosperous career, as well as a very forfilling one.

14/01/2026

10,000 jobs! And its not only the occupations such as jockeys, trainers, stablehands but all of the thousands of others...veterinarians, farriers, the sports turf managers, the irrigation technicians, gardeners who are responsible for the tracks and grounds, then there are the bookies, TAB workers, hospitality workers....we could go on and on!

So many potential careers in this amazing industry.

Our State's racing industry is an important economic contributor, providing $1.3 billion to the State's economy each year and supporting more than 10,000 full-time jobs. 👇
https://racingwa.com.au/about/racing-towards-better

08/01/2026

Amazing!!! Just think of all the workers who contributed towards this record. We have so many skilled and experienced people working here in our great state.

Well done to all.

🎉Grain-tastic! CBH harvest hits record 22.9 million tonnes

The 2025/26 grain harvest is now officially the largest crop received by CBH, with over 22.9 million tonnes now in the co-op’s system. We passed the record this morning around 10am AWST.

Congrats to all the growers of Western Australia for producing this record crop.

Thank you to all CBH employees, contractors, and transporters who have all played a part in safely and efficiently handling this harvest.

08/01/2026

Technology usage is making the job so much easier, safer and more efficient! Exciting to see the many applications around.

07/01/2026

FFTITC's Nimble News - Welcome to the first edition for 2026. We look forward to advocating for our industries. If you want to help and are not a member of our Skills Networks Group, we'd love you to join us. Please see our Nimble News for details. https://mailchi.mp/0af025ca6925/fftitc-nimble-news-7-january-2026

06/01/2026

Important to recognise and identify the risks of working in hot weather and how you can mitigate harm to workers.

We’re now in the middle of summer. Working in heat can be a WHS hazard and employers must manage the risks. The best way to do this is to schedule work for cooler times of the day. 🌡️🥵

According to our data, gardeners, construction workers, trades workers, and recycling and rubbish collectors are in the top 10 occupations most exposed to outdoor conditions. ☀️👷‍♂️

Find practical information on managing the risks of working in heat on our website: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/working-heat

06/01/2026

Great article. Make sure you click on the links in the article. Sources research and data.

Things have come a long way since the 1980s. But women still do not have the equal economic access they deserve.

👉 Read the full story: https://theconversation.com/women-have-fought-hard-to-be-recognised-as-farmers-theres-still-more-work-to-be-done-270076

06/01/2026

We'd encourage WA producers to get involved. Best way to encourage young people in to a career in agriculture is give them a positive work introduction.

Opportunities are still available for producers interested in being involved in the AgCAREERSTART program for 2026. Apply online via our website, or contact the team for further information 🤠

05/01/2026

Important updates available.

🐝 SA varroa update & custom management plan webinar

Start the new year up to date on the latest varroa mite detections in SA and get practical guidance to protect your hives, courtesy of PIRSA’s Varroa Development Officers (VDOs).

What we’ll cover:
• A quick refresher on varroa mite biology and behaviour
• Practical hive protection tips and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches
• Step-by-step guidance to help you develop your own varroa management/treatment plan
• Live presentations plus the chance to ask your questions directly to the experts

📅 When: Wednesday 7 January 2026
🕢 Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
💻 Where: Online only

It’s not too late to register 👉 https://ow.ly/tl5W50XRNcK

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared and connected.

05/01/2026

A trade that is so much needed, particularly in hot sunny WA. Its currently 34 outside and there would be lots of workplaces, schools, playgrounds and other recreational facilities baking without quality shade covering. So, a big thank you to industrial textile fabricators like Jason - we need more of them!!

04/01/2026

Great to see such a strong apprenticeship program for Racing WA. All the best to the new apprentices and we look forward to seeing them have a fruitful and long career in WA Racing.

CareersThoroughbredNew wave of apprentice jockeys takes the reins in Racing WA’s training program17 December 2025Home/News/New wave of apprentice jockeys takes the reins in Racing WA’s training programWA’s latest cohort of apprentice jockeys are starting to take significant strides in the care...