FTMA Launches New Online Training for Timber Systems Design

The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA), with funding support from the Australian Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP), is proud to announce the launch of a new online training pathway: Introduction to Timber Systems Design.

For more than a decade, the timber systems design sector has faced a significant skills shortage, with businesses across Australia struggling to attract and train the next generation of designers. The challenge of bringing school leavers and new entrants into this rewarding and highly technical career has remained a persistent issue for the industry.

Thanks to funding provided through the Albanese Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), FTMA and ForestWorks have been able to partner with Purple Infinity to develop a modern, accessible online learning solution designed specifically for the Australian timber systems design industry.

This important initiative has been shaped by an exceptional industry working group that generously contributed their expertise, knowledge and time throughout the development process.

Industry contributors included representatives from Dahlsens Building Centres, MiTek, Multinail, Pryda, National Timber & Hardware Australia, Timber Training Creswick, ForestWorks and FTMA, all working collaboratively to ensure the training reflects real-world industry needs and expectations.

A key challenge during development was identifying suitable software for learners to use throughout the course. FTMA was delighted to receive outstanding support from Crispin Egli of Cadwork Australasia, who provided affordable student access to Cadwork software, helping make the training more practical and accessible for participants.

FTMA would also like to acknowledge Andrew Jones from Purple Infinity, who immersed himself in the industry during the project by attending FTMA State Seminars and visiting manufacturing plants across the country to better understand the sector and its workforce needs.

About the Training

The project was delivered under:

Project 20: Integrating Training Materials into Online Learning Systems

Sub-Project: New Online Course for Introduction to Timber Systems Design.

 

The training package includes two nationally recognised skill sets:

FWPSS00077 – Introduction to Timber Systems Design – Workplace Practices
•    FWPCOR2208 Communicate and interact effectively in the forest and wood products industry 
•    FWPCOR2210 Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations 
•    FWPTMM3215 Work effectively in the timber systems design industry 

FWPSS00078 – Introduction to Timber Systems Design – Technical Application
•    CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations 
•    CPPCMN4008 Read plans, drawings and specifications for residential buildings 
•    FWPCOT3303 Prepare sketches and drawings 
•    FWPCOT3304 Take off material quantities. 

Importantly, learners who complete both skill sets will have achieved:

•    All 3 Core Units required for the qualification 
•    4 of the 10 required elective units. 

This means participants will only need to complete an additional six electives to obtain the full FWP31220 Certificate III in Timber Systems Design qualification.

Supporting Industry Careers

To further support member businesses in promoting careers within the sector, FTMA has also produced a new two-minute promotional video highlighting opportunities in Timber Systems Design.

FTMA encourages members to share the video on company websites, through social media channels, and with local schools and career advisors to help raise awareness of the profession and attract new entrants into the industry.

Additional short-form promotional clips will also be released in the coming months.

Watch the full length promotional video below...

 

 

 

Training Enquiries

For further information about the training, please contact:

•    Kim Jones – National Timber Hardware Australia Training kim@ntha.edu.au 

•    Andrew Cousins – Timber Training Creswick andrewc@timbertrainingcreswick.com.au 

Alternatively, members can contact:
Kersten Gentle, FTMA Australia - 0418 226 242 - kersten@ftma.com.au

FTMA would like to thank DAFF and ForestWorks for their investment into this much needed training. It’s now over to the manufacturers to engage with the RTO’s and promote the video and training.