Women take the lead in the forest industry

To be sustainable over time every industry needs to successfully recruit and retain workers.

The TFFPN is working with partners and members to assist them to build a contemporary, robust, skills-based workforce for the future.

Recent reports, including ‘A Strategic Growth Plan for the Tasmanian forests, fine timber and wood fibre industry  (2017), and our own Tasmania Forestry Hub: Culture, Training and Skills Assessment Report (2020) have highlighted the risk that exists within the forest industry to plan and strategically develop a future workforce that meets market, environment and community expectations.

The Network is working to deliver on opportunities for women to develop their leadership and corporate governance skills through the Women in Leadership strategy.

In the Tasmanian forest industry, 2017 statistics record that only 16% of the workforce is female, compared to 49% of the broader Tasmanian workforce. Seventy five per cent of forest businesses reported finding it difficult to recruit managers and high level professional staff, as well as administration staff, and finance managers/bookkeepers.

This strategy—funded by the Department of Communities—is designed to strengthen pathways for women into board and leadership positions; influence change by  increasing awareness of gender barriers and opportunities for women; and facilitate leadership development.

The initiative will include:

Foundations of Directorship – AICD

Scholarships will be offered to two members to undertake this AICD introductory course.  This course is ideal for woman wanting to develop a director portfolio and participate on boards. Dates to be negotiated (commencing 2022).

I-LEAD

Tasmanian Leaders’ high impact Industry, Leadership, Enterprise and Development PROGRAM (I_LEAD) is for emerging and established leaders in small to medium private sector businesses.

It is designed to increase leadership capacity in personal leadership, strategic leadership and business leadership.

Women on Boards – Become Board Ready

This program assists participants to develop their Board CV.  The key purpose of a Board CV is to become noticed by those involved in the board selection process and highlight what strengths you could bring to a board.

The TFFPN will be promoting and implementing these programs between October 2021 and June 2022.

Opportunities will be available through a competitive selection process through the Network, so please watch this space.  To follow up or register an interest please contact Romany Brodribb (romany.brodribb@tffpn.com.au)