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An inspirational partnership between NTHA Training and Endeavour Foundation (based in Maryborough, Queensland), in conjunction with Community Solutions— Apprentices and Trainees, is providing crucial educational opportunities for people with disabilities in a supported work environment. Source: Timberbiz Conducted through the nationally recognised Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations (Sawmilling), the initiative equips participants with valuable skills, while also opening doors to meaningful careers in the timber industry. ‘Supported Employment’ allows people with a disability to work in a commercial business with the help of onsite employment coaches and production team leaders. This assistance ensures employees can learn and develop new skills, while working towards their employment goals. The innovative program not only enhances job readiness but also fosters confidence and independence. By learning essential sawmilling operations, workplace safety, and environmental best practices, trainees gain hands-on experience tailored specifically to industry needs. Employment Coach, Jessica Dullaway, from Endeavour Foundation’s Business Solutions site in Maryborough, says, “it is an amazing opportunity for our supported workers to progress their career goals and increase skill development through the traineeship.” “We are so proud to be able to host this program onsite. Our employees were chosen for their established skills, acknowledging their intentions to transition towards Mainstream Employment – and we could not be more supportive,” Ms Dullaway added. NTHA Trainer Brad Cannell said NTHA Training is proud to work alongside Endeavour Foundation to create inclusive learning opportunities. “This special partnership ensures that individuals of all abilities have access to training that leads to sustainable employment,” he said. The initiative aligns closely with Endeavour Foundation’s mission in supporting people with disabilities in leading fulfilling lives. The program is already making a substantial difference, with trainees gaining newfound skills and securing meaningful roles in sawmilling operations. This partnership not only highlights the importance of inclusive training pathways, but proves that with the right support, everyone has the potential to succeed in the workforce. For more information on how NTHA Training in training and upskilling your team, contact us on 1800 822 621 or at info@ntha.edu.au

Leading companies in Australia’s timber construction sector have joined forces to launch the Future Framing Initiative, a groundbreaking collaborative program aimed at revolutionising the lightweight timber framed construction industry. Source: Timberbiz Under the governance of Forest & Wood Products Australia and leadership of newly appointed Project Management Committee, chaired by Ian Tyson, the FFI will focus on modernising timber design standards and strengthening the industry’s competitive position. The program addresses critical challenges facing the sector, including outdated timber design standards and increasing competition from steel framing and concrete slab-on-ground alternatives. Thirteen leading organisations have already committed to funding the initiative: AKD, Hyne Timber, Dindas Australia, Meyer Timber, MiTek, Multinail, Pentarch Forest Group, Pryda, Stora Enso Australia, Timberlink Australia, Timbertruss, Wesbeam, and Wespine. The program has also secured support from the University of Tasmania through a successful Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) research grant. “The FFI represents a unified response to market demands for simpler, more efficient building solutions,” says Ian Tyson. “Each percentage point of market share represents $27.5 million in annual revenue, making this initiative crucial for our industry’s future growth.” The program encompasses four key components: Research, Extension, Communications, and Technical Capacity Building. Initial efforts will concentrate on updating critical industry standards, particularly AS1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction, which hasn’t seen major revisions in over 25 years. Another FFI objective will be developing a new FWPA Industry Standard for Lightweight Timber Framing Design & Construction for mid-rise Buildings, aiming for inclusion in the National Construction Code 2028. The initiative will serve various building types, including detached homes, townhouses, schools, aged care facilities, and apartments. The FFI also addresses the critical need for technical expertise in succession planning for the industry. The program, that started in February 2025, will recruit and train new technical representatives to ensure valuable industry knowledge is preserved and passed on to the next generation of industry champions.