Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 08/Dec 23:45

Cutting Edge program sows the seeds for new talent

A recent trip to the Wide Bay-Burnett region saw the team from Canopy, Queensland’s forest and timber industry training and careers hub, lay groundwork for delivering the next generation of forest and timber workers though the Cutting Edge Program, a workforce initiative designed to address skilled labour shortages. Source: Timberbiz A two-week pre-employment training and work placement program, Cutting Edge equips jobseekers with meaningful skills while giving employers the chance to assess potential hires through work experience placements. This program bridges the gap between jobseekers and employers, fostering lasting workforce connections while addressing a critical need within the industry. During the road trip, which included hosting promotion events in Gympie and Maryborough, the team engaged key stakeholders to attract a strong talent pool for the next intake of the program, with Canopy Hub Project Lead Steve Worley noting the particularly strong engagement from local employment agencies recognising the value of the program’s capacity for creating job-ready skills. “Every industry is facing a competitive employment market at the moment, so the trip created a valuable opportunity for raising the profile of roles in the forest and timber sector. It also facilitated crucial connections with organisations uniquely positioned to identify and channel new talent into our industry,” said Mr Worley. “This collaborative approach is setting a benchmark for addressing workforce challenges in a highly competitive labour market.” The trip builds on the program’s proven past successes, which has seen a number of program graduates secure long-term employment within the industry. Andrew Davies from DTM Timber, a host of past cohorts, has found the initiative a valuable opportunity for employers and program participants alike. “It’s ‘try before you buy’, you get to have a good look at your potential employees, and insight from the program trainer into what they’ll be like as an employee, and where their skills and natural abilities will be best suited within your business,” said Mr Davies. “It’s been a worthwhile enterprise – we’ve gotten good people out of it and it’s in our best interests to keep the whole industry strong.” The next round of Cutting Edge will be delivered in early 2025, with local employers in the Gympie and Maryborough regions invited to reach out for more information on participating in this and future rounds. The Canopy Hub initiative is delivered by Timber Queensland with the support of the Workforce Connect Fund, powered by the Queensland Government’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.