What's Been Happening Lately?

Canopy Hub Newsletter - April Edition

At Canopy Hub, we're dedicated to nurturing a sustainable workforce for Queensland's forest and timber industry. Thanks to the Queensland Government Workforce Connect Fund, we're able to offer free programs to school students, school leavers and job seekers eager to kickstart their careers in this dynamic field. We're thrilled to bring you the latest updates on what's been happening recently!

Fostering Tomorrow's Industry Leaders - Grow, Harvest, Process School Tour

In April, we had the privilege of hosting a Grow, Harvest, Process School Tours with students from Cairns State High School. The students toured plantations and sawmills in their local area. This initiative provided a first-hand glimpse into the intricacies of the forest and timber industry supply chain. It was a day brimming with inspiration, highlighting the numerous opportunities available such as; vocational education opportunities, apprenticeships, traineeships, and all the different career prospects available in each sector.

Cairns SHS Students and Teacher at Mareeba Mill with Jeff McIlroy (Canopy Hub's Workforce Development Manager) on the Grow, Harvest, Process Tour

Master Tree Growers Program in North Queensland

The Master Tree Growers Program is a regionally based education program in agroforestry, and vegetation design and management for farmers with the aim of:

• improving the design and management of agroforestry and native vegetation projects on participants’ own properties.

• helping participants understand the interests of governments, catchment authorities, industry groups and community organisations in agroforestry and native vegetation management and to encourage mutually beneficial partnerships.

• facilitating the involvement of participants in the development and promotion of agroforestry and native vegetation management within their region by providing a wide range of knowledge, skills, experiences and networking opportunities

In April, we hosted the Master Tree Growers Program in North Queensland. Led by local forester Daryl Killin and designed by Rowan Reid, the eight-day series covers topics from forest establishment to market opportunities. Participants gained valuable insights into rural landscape integration, risk management, and timber product enhancement.

The participants visited many local sites such as farm forestry sites, local sawmills and kiln drying facilities as well as a nursery. Visiting each site provided the participants with first-hand experience which was valuable paired alongside knowledge gained by presentations from industry professionals.

Cutting Edge Program

We ran two Cutting Edge programs this month, one taking place at DTM Timber mill in Tiaro and the other at Parkside Timber in Wondai. Both were a huge success, with five participants gaining employment at DTM Timber and 25 at Parkside Timber meaning almost all job vacancies were filled at both companies. Through the Cutting Edge Program, participants were provided with a timber industry focused training program which gave them the entry requirement skills to a job in our amazing industry!

This program was delivered in partnership with Max Employment and APM and is a really great opportunity for the participants to get a foot in the door of our great industry. So thank you to Max Employment, APM and DTM Timber for making this program possible.

Growth Scholarship - Applications now open!

Apply for a Growth Scholarship Award and get ready for lift off.

Open to Queensland based forest and timber industry professionals and workers who are in their early or mid career years, Timber Queensland's Growth Scholarships facilitate access to learning experiences and opportunities that will foster a passion for working in the forest and timber industry and enhance career pathways.

Who is eligible to apply for a Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship?

• Available to residents of Queensland only

• Focused on early career professionals and granted to applicants aged 18 – 45 years

• Open to applicants working in both the public and private sector

• Open to applicants working in all segments and levels of the forest and timber industry supply chain, or currently undertaking studies related to the forest and timber industry

What awards are on offer as part of the Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship program?

The awards on offer are the Kennedy's Timber Award - $10 000,  HQPlantations Award - $5000,  AKD Award - $5000  and the DTM Timber Award - $2500

What can you use a Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship for?
A Growth Scholarship will provide financial assistance for a learning project. This could include and is not limited to:

• on-the-job training & short courses

• study tours

• components/units of formal qualifications

• attendance at conferences and events

• short term work placements and/or secondments to gain experience.

The sky's the limit, come up with your own idea that will give your career the boost you are after.

How do you apply for a Growth Scholarship?

The application is a simple, accessible and fair process via an online application form. See the Growth Scholarship website page for more details.  Applications are now open and close 5pm 30 June 2024.

Get in Touch

Managed by peak industry body Timber Queensland, this project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government Workforce Connect Fund.