28 September 2023 Update
FWP Training Package Update: Forest Operation Programs Get More Time
Registered training organisations (RTOs) offering forest operation programs have a reason to celebrate as the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) announced a new FWP training package update. ASQA moved the transition deadline for these qualifications, giving you and your students more time to complete training.
- FWP20121 – Certificate II in Forest Operations
- FWP30121 – Certificate III in Forest Operations
The revised transition period now concludes on 31 January 2025, extending from its initial deadline of 23 January 2024. This development benefits both existing students and new enrolments at RTOs.
During the extended transition period, these qualifications will continue to be within your scope of registration. You can continue offering the mentioned training products, providing ongoing support to both current and new students pursuing qualifications. However, it’s essential to note that all students must either complete their courses or transition to alternative qualifications by the new transition end date.
ASQA has worked closely with key education authorities, including the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia, to ensure this decision aligns with the best interests of RTOs and their students.
This update empowers your RTO to adapt and provide even better training services to your students. While the extension offers more time, you must plan accordingly and take advantage of this opportunity to support your learners effectively.
22 February 2023 Update
Minor Forest and Wood Products – FWP Training Package Update – Version 8.1 Released
The forest and wood products training package (FWP) for Australia has just released version 8.1, which includes a minor change. FWP40222 – Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations has been updated to reflect changes to the titles of its elective units, ensuring that the qualification remains relevant and up-to-date.
While FWP40222 release 2 remains equivalent to release 1, it now includes changes to its elective units that reflect updates made to the TAE units of competency. These training updates have been included to improve the quality and effectiveness of the FWP training package in Australia, keeping it in line with the latest industry practices. These modifications on the FWP training package update are:
| Superseded | New | Equivalency |
| TAEDEL401 – Plan, organise and deliver group-based learning | TAEDEL411 – Facilitate vocational training | Not Equivalent |
| TAEDEL402 – Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace | TAEDEL412 – Facilitate workplace-based learning | Equivalent |
27 January 2023 Update
Industry Committee Emphasises Proper Training for Manual Tree Felling Competency of the FWP Training Package in Australia
Forest Management and Harvesting Industry Reference Committee (IRC) has announced that they are taking safety concerns seriously and are making changes to the units of competency required for the Fell Trees Manually (basic, intermediate, and advanced) assessment.
The IRC has received feedback from the forestry industry that the current units do not provide enough assessment activities for an individual to demonstrate competency. As a result, the IRC has recommended that RTOs continue to use the superseded units until they can undertake a full review in 2023.
| Superseded Unit | Current Unit |
| FWPCOT2253 – Fell trees manually (basic) | FWPCOT2274 – Fell trees manually (basic) |
| FWPFGM3216 – Fell trees manually (intermediate) | FWPCOT3347 – Fell trees manually (intermediate) |
| FWPFGM3217 – Fell trees manually (advanced) | FWPCOT3348 – Fell trees manually (advanced) |
The new way of assessing tree felling skills in the current units has been improved. But instead of cutting down many trees, learners only need to cut down a few to demonstrate competence within the performance evidence. This change was made because it’s not always possible for students to practice on many trees, especially in places that are not forests.
The IRC has stressed that any RTO delivering any of the current units of competency must ensure that students have undergone sufficient training before the assessment to ensure they have received enough training before being assessed. This also ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely.
Furthermore, the IRC highlighted that felling trees is dangerous, and students must be fully trained and skilled before being assessed as competent in felling live trees.
Overall, the changes aim to address the issue of tree access in non-forestry settings and ensure that students receive appropriate training and assessment to ensure their safety and competency.
To ensure that RTOs like you can effectively deliver the updated units, it is crucial that you read the guidance provided in the CVIG by the Forest Management and Harvesting Industry Reference Committee before applying to include these units in their scope. To assist RTOs during this process, an additional 12-month extension to the teach-out period for these units has been requested from ASQA.
20 January 2023 Update
Extended FWP Training Package Transition Period Approved for FWP Qualifications
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has the ability to approve transition periods that go beyond the standard set by Clauses 1.26 (a), (b), and (c) of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. This decision is only made if it can be demonstrated that a significant disadvantage would occur for a group of learners without the extension.
Recently, ASQA approved an extended 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 continuing students enrolled in ASQA registered RTOs with delivery scope. The deadline for the extended training, assessment, and certification period is 31 January 2024.
Organisations such as the Food, Fibre and Timber Training Council, Forest Training Council, Forest Products Commission, and Skills Impact supported this decision. These FWP qualifications will remain on the scope of registration for ASQA regulated RTOs until the end of the extended transition period unless the RTO chooses to remove them.
A Quick Recap: FWP Training Package Updates version 8
In case you missed it, here are the qualifications and units of competency updates on FWP version 8, which was released on 25 January 2023.
Qualifications Updates in the FWP Training Package
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWP20121 – Certificate II in Forest Operations | FWP20122 – Certificate II in Forest Operations | Equivalent |
| FWP20316 -Certificate II in Sawmilling and Processing | FWP20322 – Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWP20516 -Certificate II in Timber ManufacturedProducts | FWP20322 -Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations | Not equivalent |
| FWP30121 -Certificate III in Forest Operations | FWP30122 – Certificate III in Forest Operations | Equivalent |
| FWP30316 -Certificate III in Sawmilling and Processing | FWP30322 – Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations | Not equivalent |
| FWP30516 – Certificate III in Timber Manufactured Products | FWP30322 -Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations | Not equivalent |
| FWP30621 -Certificate III in Timber Building Products Supply | FWP30622 -Certificate III in Timber Building Products Supply | Equivalent |
| FWP30920 -Certificate III in Timber Truss or Frame Manufacture Release 2 | FWP30920 – Certificate III in Timber Truss or Frame Manufacture Release 3 | Equivalent |
| FWP31021 -Certificate III in Saw Technology Release 1 | FWP31021 -Certificate III in Saw Technology Release 2 | Equivalent |
| FWP31121 -Certificate III in Wood Machining Release 1 | FWP31121 – Certificate III in Wood Machining Release 2 | Equivalent |
| FWP40121 – Certificate IV in Forest Operations Release 1 | FWP40121 – Certificate IV in Forest Operations Release 2 | Equivalent |
| FWP40216 – Certificate IV in Timber Processing | FWP40222 – Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations | Not equivalent |
Skill Sets Updates in the FWP Training Package
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSS00028 – Skillset for a finger jointing plant operator | Not applicable | Deleted |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSS00029 – Skillset for a finger jointing moulder operator | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPSS00030 – Skillset for a finger jointing grader operator | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPSS00031 – Skillset for a finger jointing quality control tester | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPSS00065 – Silviculture Worker Skill Set Release 1 | FWPSS00065 – Silviculture Worker Skill Set Release 2 | Equivalent |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00068 – Entry into a Saw Technician Role Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00069 – Entry into a Wood Machinist Role Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00070 – Process Control and Optimisation (Timber Sawmills) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00071 – Foundational Leadership and Management (Log Yard Operations) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00072 – Foundational Leadership and Management (Log Processing Operations) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00073 – Foundational Leadership and Management (Timber Dry Mill Operations) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00074 – FoundationalLeadership and Management (Timber Kiln Drying Operations) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00075 – Foundational Leadership and Management (Timber Treatment Operations) Skill Set | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPSS00076 – Foundational Leadership and Management (Engineered Wood Products Operations)Skill Set | Newly created |
Units of Competency Updates in the FWP Training Package
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPCOT2202 – Rack material | FWPCOT2272 – Rack timber or round poles | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT2209 – Produce finger jointed timber | FWPCOT3337 – Operate timber finger jointing line | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT2231 – Pack products | FWPCOT2271 – Pack timber or wood products for despatch | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT2234 – Dock material to length | FWPCOT2268 – Cut timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPCOT2240 – Cut material with a pole saw | FWPCOT2270 – Cut wood materials with pole saw for unblocking machinery components | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT2245 – Operate and maintain a table saw | FWPCOT2269 – Operate and maintain a table saw | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT2253 – Fell trees manually (basic) | FWPCOT2274 – Fell trees manually (basic) | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT2256 – Trim and cut felled trees | FWPCOT2273 – Trim and cut felled trees | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT3203 – Weigh loads | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPCOT3208 – Test strength of joints | FWPTMM4213 – Test finger jointed timber | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3224 – Plan and monitor equipment maintenance | FWPCOT3335 – Conduct operator level equipment maintenance in forest and wood products industry | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPCOT3227 – Receive and measure logs | FWPCOT3340 – Develop knowledge of log yard operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3231 – Operate steam boiler | FWPCOT3334 – Conduct steam boiler operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3232 – Operate heat plant | FWPCOT3333 – Conduct heat plant operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3235 – Machine material using CNC machining and processing centres | FWPCOT3332 – Machine timber or engineered wood products using CNC machining and processing centres | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT3240 – Grade heavy structural/engineered products | FWPCOT3339 – Grade wood product visually | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3248 – Dry timber in solar assisted kilns | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPCOT3227 – Receive and measure logs | FWPCOT3340 – Develop knowledge of log yard operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3231 – Operate steam boiler | FWPCOT3334 – Conduct steam boiler operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3232 – Operate heat plant | FWPCOT3333 – Conduct heat plant operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3235 – Machine material using CNC machining and processing centres | FWPCOT3332 – Machine timber or engineered wood products using CNC machining and processing centres | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT3240 – Grade heavy structural/engineered products | FWPCOT3339 – Grade wood product visually | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3248 – Dry timber in solar assisted kilns | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPCOT3227 – Receive and measure logs | FWPCOT3340 – Develop knowledge of log yard operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3231 – Operate steam boiler | FWPCOT3334 – Conduct steam boiler operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3232 – Operate heat plant | FWPCOT3333 – Conduct heat plant operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3235 – Machine material using CNC machining and processing centres | FWPCOT3332 – Machine timber or engineered wood products using CNC machining and processing centres | Equivalent |
| FWPCOT3240 – Grade heavy structural/engineered products | FWPCOT3339 – Grade wood product visually | Not equivalent |
| FWPCOT3248 – Dry timber in solar assisted kilns | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSAW2204 – Dock boards with mechanical feed | FWPCOT2268 – Cut timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW2206 – De-stack seasoning racks | FWPSAW2213 – Destack timber drying racks | Equivalent |
| FWPSAW2209 – Dismantle, transport and assemble hand portable sawmill | FWPSAW3252 – Assemble, operate and dismantle a portable sawmill | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3205 – Dry hardwood | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3206 – Dry softwood | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3215 – Screen wood chips | FWPCOT3342 – Screen wood chips | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSAW3216 – Transfer wood chips | FWPCOT3344 – Transfer wood chips | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3223 – Assess wood chips | FWPCOT3343 – Test wood chips quality | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3224 – Coordinate and monitor the wood chip stockpile | FWPCOT3341 – Coordinate and monitor wood chip stockpile | Equivalent |
| FWPSAW3229 – Operate a portable sawmill | FWPSAW3252 – Assemble, operate and dismantle a portable sawmill | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3230 – Perform primary log breakdown | FWPSAW3255 – Operate conventional log breakdown saw line | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3231 – Perform secondary log breakdown | FWPSAW3255 – Operate conventional log breakdown saw line | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSAW3241 – Set up and operate production saws used in sawmill operations | FWPSAW3255 – Operate conventional log breakdown saw line | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3243 – Produce sawn green boards | FWPSAW3253 – Re-saw green timber | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3249 – Saw logs using CNC optimising systems | FWPSAW3254 – Control and monitor automated green mill saw line | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW3250 – Select and saw logs in multi-species operations | FWPSAW3256 – Select and saw logs in multi-species operations | Equivalent |
| FWPSAW4201 – Plan and monitor timber treatment plant operations | FWPCOT4222 – Plan for and supervise timber treatment plant operations | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPSAW4202 – Plan and monitor saw log operations | FWPSAW4209 – Plan for and supervise log processing operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW4203 – Coordinate timber drying operations | FWPSAW4208 – Plan for and coordinate timber drying operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPSAW4205 – Plan and monitor timber conversion | FWPSAW4210 – Plan for and supervise timber dry mill operations | Not equivalent |
| FWPTMM3210 – Convert timber | FWPSAW3253 – Re-saw green timber | Not equivalent |
| FWPTMM4203 – Install and commission CNC software | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPTMM4204 – Sample and test products to specifications | FWPTMM4214 – Test laminated wood product | Not equivalent |
| FWPTMM4208 – Construct prototypes and samples for timber structures | Not applicable | Deleted |
| FWPWPP2213 – Cut panels | FWPCOT2268 – Cut timber or engineered wood product to length or dimensions | Not equivalent |
| FWPWPP3201 – Produce veneer from debarked logs | FWPTMM3217 – Develop knowledge of plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | Not equivalent |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| FWPWPP3209 – Prepare resin and additives | FWPCOT3338 – Identify glues and gluing systems used in production of wood products | Not equivalent |
| FWPWPP3212 – Dry material | FWPSAW3257 – Operate timber drying kiln | Not equivalent |
| FWPWPP3231 – Produce veneer from prepared flitches | FWPTMM3218 – Develop knowledge of veneer preparation in plywood or laminated veneer lumber production | Not equivalent |
| Not applicable | FWPCOT3345 – Develop knowledge of chain of custody certification requirements for forest and wood products | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPCOT3346 – Communicate effectively with general public or stakeholders concerned about forest practices | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPCOT4223 – Assess requirements of chain of custody certification scheme for forest and wood products | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPCOT4224 – Conduct internal audit of chain of custody certification for forest and wood products | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPCOT4225 – Apply principles of pneumatics and hydraulics to analyse potential equipment failures | Newly created |
| Code and title (Version 7.1) | Code and title (Version 8.0) | Equivalence statement |
| Not applicable | FWPFIR3002 – Apply communication protocols during post-bushfire vegetation clearing and clean-up operations | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPFIR4001 – Conduct tree hazard assessment post-fire | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPTMM3219 – Develop knowledge of reconstituted wood panel production | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPTMM3220 – Develop knowledge of glue laminated timber or cross laminated timber production | Newly created |
| Not applicable | FWPTMM4216 – Plan for and supervise engineered wood product operations | Newly created |
What Your RTO Needs to Do for The FWP Training Package Updates
As industries evolve and new skills are required, training packages are updated to ensure workers can access the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Here are some crucial steps that you can take for the FWP training package update:
- Review the Implementation Guide for the new FWP training package update to understand the changes and how to implement them.
- Update training and assessment materials to align with the new changes in the FWP.
- Ensure that trainers and assessors know the changes and have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver training and assessment for the updated qualifications and units.
- Communicate the changes to learners and ensure they know how the changes may impact their training and assessment.
- Apply for a scope of registration if the new changes are not equivalent to the current version of the qualifications or units of competency. ASQA automatically adds the latest version to your scope if it’s equivalent to the old version.
- Update any marketing or promotional materials to reflect the updated qualifications and units of competency.
By following these steps, RTOs can ensure they offer high-quality training and assessment that meets the industry’s and their learners’ needs.
