What began as a hands-on introduction to the timber industry has quickly turned into real career opportunities for 14 participants of the NTHA Crafting Careers in Timber Program.

Just four weeks ago, 16 candidates stepped into the program with little more than curiosity — many believing carpentry was their only pathway into the industry. Today, 14 are preparing to enter the workforce, armed with new skills, industry insight, and a clear direction for their future.

And for many, that future looks very different than they first imagined.

From day one, the program broke away from traditional training. Instead of sitting in a classroom, participants were immersed in the industry, starting out in forestry and following the journey of timber all the way through to manufacturing and construction.

They walked through working forests, watched logs being milled into structural timber, and stood on factory floors where frames and trusses are designed and built with precision technology.

It was this real-world exposure that left the biggest impression.

“The site tours were definitely the highlight because it gave them such good exposure to the industry,” NTHA Program Manager Natasha Ryan said.

At the start, many participants had a single goal: become a carpenter. But as the weeks unfolded, perspectives shifted.

Students discovered careers in timber systems design, supply chain operations, wood machining, and frame and truss manufacturing, roles they did not even known existed.
“A lot of the trainees came into the program wanting to be carpenters, thinking that’s what timber was,” Natasha explained. “But they soon discovered the diversity within the industry.”

From forestry through to milling and manufacturing, each step helped participants connect the dots and rethink their futures.

“One of the students came in wanting to be a carpenter, and now he wants to go into timber systems design,” she said. “Another has changed to supply chain operations, and others are now looking at wood machining or frame and truss,” Natasha said.

Real skills, real preparation

Beyond site visits, participants completed nationally recognised units of competency under the guidance of NTHA Senior Trainer Doug Mackenzie, building a foundation for future traineeships and apprenticeships.

They also gained practical, job-ready skills, from writing resumes and preparing for interviews to understanding tax and superannuation.

By the final day on March 12, the group wasn’t just trained — they were work-ready.

“We finished the program with 14 out of 16, which is a really strong outcome,” Natasha said.

The next step: Work experience

All 14 participants are stepping into work experience placements across a range of timber businesses next week, including Advanced Truss Systems, Timport Specialised Timber Products, Versace Timbers, Colonial Restoration Supplies, GC Doorlands, Redland Bay Roof Trusses, and Langs Building Supplies.

For many, this is more than just a placement, it is a direct pathway into employment.

“All 14 will start work experience, and most of the businesses they are going into have positions available,” Natasha said. “So fingers crossed, we can place quite a lot of them into traineeships or apprenticeships.”

“They got to see that if they want to be building things, they don’t have to be out on a work site,” Natasha said. “They can be in a warehouse creating frames, trusses or floor systems — there are so many options.”

The program has also demonstrated the power of immersive, industry-led training in addressing skills shortages, particularly in regional areas where demand for skilled workers continues to grow.

“There is a massive skills shortage in regional areas like Mackay, so programs like this are really important. NTHA would love to run future programs in these areas if funding allows,” she said.

While the future of the program will depend on continued government funding, its impact is already clear.

“It’s up to the Queensland Government if it runs again, but we’d absolutely love to do it,” Natasha said.

Fourteen participants are now on the cusp of launching their careers. Employers are gaining motivated, work-ready candidates. And an industry in need of skilled workers has found new talent ready to step in.