Branch Out with Training Updates for the Latest FWP Training Package in Australia

ASQA Approves FWP Training Package Update

ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) is making moves to empower us even more in providing top-notch training and education. They’ve given the green light for longer transition periods, going beyond the usual standards. In line with their “Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition,” ASQA is open to considering applications for extended transition periods. But they’ll only do it if the extension benefits students.

28 September 2023 FWP Training Package Update — Extended Transition Period for Two Qualifications

This time, the forest and forest products training package is receiving an update, affecting two qualifications in particular.

• FWP20121 Certificate II in Forest Operations
• FWP30121 Certificate III in Forest Operations

In the training update, ASQA amended the transition period for training, assessment, and certification issuance from 23 January 2024 to 31 January 2025. The extension applies to both new enrolments and existing students. Just make sure that all your students either complete their courses or are transferred to replacement qualifications by the new transition end date. Also, these qualifications will stay on your RTO’s scope of registration until the end of the extended transition period.

ASQA consulted with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia to ensure everything’s up to code.

FWP Training Package 8.1 Training Updates

The Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations (FWP40222) of the latest FWP training package update, released on 22 February 2023, is now live on training.gov.au.

The updated qualification superseded FWP40216 – Certificate IV in Timber Processing. The qualification change came as part of the regular review process of the FWP training package.

The FWP40222 – Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to work in the timber and wood products industry. It provides learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate machinery, equipment, and technology for wood processing and production, manage timber resources, and ensure safety and environmental standards compliance.

The updated course now includes 10 new and updated units of competency, reflecting the changing needs of the industry.

Skills Impact worked with industry experts to develop the updated units of competency and ensure that they meet the current industry standards. The training update for the qualification is designed to meet the needs of learners and employers in the timber and wood products industry.

Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations is a nationally recognised qualification and is available for study through a range of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia.

This training update to the FWP40222 – Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations demonstrates the industry’s commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring that learners have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.

FWP Fell Trees Manually Units Training Update

In a 27 January 2023 report published on training.gov.au, Skills Impact advised Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to familiarise themselves with the delivery of superseded FWP Fell Trees Manually (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) units of the Forest and Wood Products (FWP) Training Package as provided in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide (CIVG, pages 50-51) by the Forest Management and Harvesting Industry Reference Committee before offering the updated units to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary information and tools to deliver high-quality training and assessment services.

To support RTOs during this process, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has extended the teach-out period by 12 months. This extra time will give RTOs more flexibility and resources to implement the required FWP training package updates on the Fell Trees Manually units of competency and improve their training programs.

The CVIG provides comprehensive guidance on implementing training updates on packages, qualifications, and accredited courses. It is a valuable resource for RTOs wishing to deliver the superseded Fell Trees Manually units.

The CVIG states that the Forest Management and Harvesting Industry Reference Committee (IRC) has advised RTOs to continue utilising the updated Fell Trees Manually competency units until a full review can be undertaken. The committee issued the advice after feedback from participants in the forestry industry suggested that the superseded units did not provide sufficient assessment activities for individuals to demonstrate competency.

Check out the latest training updates to the Fell Trees Manually competency units below:

The Forest Management and Harvesting IRC’s changes to the units of competency for fell trees manually reflect a commitment to safety and efficiency in the forestry industry. RTOs must create a training and assessment strategy that demonstrates the complexity of the qualification and ensures learners meet the requirements of the qualification and gain the skills and knowledge specified in the units of competency.

By Incorporating the updated units of competency and providing sufficient training for learners, the forestry industry can continue to operate safely and efficiently.

Longer Transition Period Approved for FWP Qualifications: FWP20116, FWP20216, FWP30116, FWP30216, FWP40116, and FWP50116

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has the power to approve transition periods that are longer than what is outlined in Clauses 1.26 (a), (b), and (c) of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. This decision is only made if there would be a genuine disadvantage to a cohort of learners if the extension is not approved.

ASQA has recently approved a longer transition period for the following Forest and Wood Products (FWP) qualifications:

• FWP20116 – Certificate II in Forest Growing and Management
• FWP20216 – Certificate II in Harvesting and Haulage
• FWP30116 – Certificate III in Forest Growing and Management
• FWP30216 – Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage
• FWP40116 – Certificate IV in Forest Operations
• FWP50116 – Diploma of Forest and Forest Products

This extension is only available for ASQA-registered RTOs with delivery scope for continuing students. The extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period for these qualifications will end on 31 January 2024.

This decision was supported by the Food, Fibre and Timber Training Council, Forest Training Council, Forest Products Commission, and Skills Impact. These FWP qualifications will remain on ASQA’s regulated RTOs’ scope of registration until the end of the extended transition period unless the RTO decides to withdraw it from their scope prior.

What can RTOs do moving forward

• Take advantage of the 12-month transition period to prepare for changes in training packages in Australia.
• Ensure students enrolled in superseded programs complete them before the transition deadline; transfer them to the updated program if necessary.
• Assess the impact of training updates on your organisation, review training products, and amend training and assessment strategies.
• Plan for necessary changes early to allow consultation with industry experts, redevelopment of programs, and exploration of new business opportunities.
• Apply for a scope of registration if the updated training package is not equivalent to your current programs.
• Modify learning materials to conform to the new standards or avail of updated and high-quality RTO training resources from trusted developers.

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