Industry Stakeholder event

Join one of our Skills Network Groups - and help make a difference for your industry!

On the 5th of December 2025, the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council will be hosting a networking event to discuss challenges and opportunities needed to improve the skills and labour needs of the WA Animal Care industry. We are looking to hear from animal trainers, veterinary assistants, veterinary nurses and more!

*This is a Hybrid event - join in person or via teams.

The Forum will cover:

Overview of data about ACM industry, occupations, qualifications, traineeships by the FFTITC.
A presentation by Chris Gray from Skill Hire on the role of Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and how they can support employees to take up Trainees in ACM fields.
Presentation on the supports and incentives available for traineeships and apprenticeships in WA by Jonni Taylor from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.
Skills Insight update on ACM projects including the Veterinary Nursing Review.
Update on the Veterinary Practice Amendment Regulations 2025.
A presentation and discussion on FFTITCs Wildlife Industry Report, written to explore issues facing the Wildlife Carer industry and Veterinarians and opportunities to improve.
A Focus Group discussing key issues and opportunities, including
- Causes of skills and labour gaps across industry.
- Regional / metro challenges.
- How to get more wildlife training and funding (report).
- how to grow Veterinary Nurse Traineeships.
- How to get training delivered to Advanced Veterinary Nurses.
- How to support the Dog Grooming industry.

Event timing

Attendees are welcome to join from 9.00am to settle in. Presentations start at 9.30am and end at approximately 12.30pm.

The forum will go for about 2.5 hours followed by optional networking and a light lunch.

Who should attend:

Business owners or workers across the ACM industry - veterinary practices, zoos, pet groomers, animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitation centres, environmental conservation.
Those involved in delivering training: RTOs, TAFEs and government/ intermediatory organisations.
Group Training Organisations interested in exploring the entering the ACM industry and connecting with stakeholders (huge demand)
Industry representatives: those working with or for businesses or individuals in the ACM industries - which include Veterinary, pet grooming, farriery, horse care, animal training and wildlife.

If you are a stakeholder with an interest in improving recruitment, skilling and retention in the WA Animal Care industry, then this forum is a key event you should attend. It is an opportunity to express your views and learn from others in the industry about their challenges and views.

Please register for a ticket today!

For event enquiries please contact Rosie (rosie@fftitc.com.au) or admin@fftitc.com.au).

📢 Board Vacancy – Animal Care & Management
The Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council (WA) Inc. is seeking a new board member to represent the Animal Care & Management industry. Meetings are bi-monthly, hybrid, and focused on shaping WA’s workforce and training future. Interested? Contact Rosie at FFTITC to apply or learn more! (rosie@fftitc.com.au)

About the FFTITC

The Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council provides strategic information and advice to the WA Government on industry workforce development and training needs including skill shortages. We gather information and make recommendations to Government, specifically the State Training Board and Department of Workforce Training and Development (DTWD) to support our industries skill development needs.

Every day our council engages with industry stakeholders, including RTOs, career aspirants and others who have a vested interest in workforce training and skill development to gather and report on:

Industry trends and developments in workforce and labour market issues
Industry skill needs, priorities and skill development issues
Concerns or suggestions for funded training in Western Australia, including that of apprenticeships and traineeships.

The Skills Network provides an opportunity for the food, fibre, and timber industry stakeholders to contribute to influencing decision making at the highest level of government on matters of training and workforce development.

The Skills Network is an environment for stakeholders to collaborate, share information and discuss issues affecting labour skill shortages and training / upskilling in Western Australia. The aim is to generate a united voice that resonates with industry and government to advance workforce development in the food, fibre and timber industries.

Contact the host of Animal Care Skills Network Forum