A new project is underway to review and revise all qualifications and skills standards within the PPM Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry Training Package, so they reflect current job roles, new technologies and processes and the current regulatory environment.

The need for a skilled pulp and paper workforce in Australia has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw record demand for products such as toilet paper, tissues, medical, sanitary and packaging products. Job roles and the type of products being manufactured have evolved over the past decade, as a result of new science, technology and consumer preferences. Industry will be closely consulted on the current and future skills requirements of job roles in the industry, so these can be reflected in the national skills standards.

Training has taken place on the job in recent years, by in-house subject matter experts, often utilising the national training package to design activities. This project will also look at identifying some solutions to improve the usability of the training package and accessibility of training. Industry and registered training providers will be consulted about different models of training.

An analysis of work functions will take place throughout November and December. Industry experts will be consulted to help draft the revised qualifications and skills standards in January and February. The drafts will then be available for feedback and comment on the Skills Impact website in March/April and again later in 2021, once this feedback has been incorporated.

Your input is encouraged. To read more, visit the project webpage.