Are you someone who appreciates the beauty and versatility of wood? Are you passionate about preserving and managing our natural resources? If so, a career in working with wood or forestry might be a perfect fit.
Additionally, a career in forestry allows you to play a vital role in the sustainable management of our forests. As a forester, you can contribute to the conservation of natural habitats, the prevention of wildfires and the responsible harvesting of timber.
Choosing a career in wood or forestry not only offers personal fulfillment but also provides opportunities for growth and stability. With the increasing demand for sustainable products and the need for effective forest management, there is a growing need for skilled professionals in these fields.
Design & Build
Working with wood offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity with practicality. Choosing a career in design or construction allows you to conceptualise and bring to life innovative ideas. Whether it’s designing a stunning building or crafting a functional space, you have the power to shape the world around you.
Design and construction are ever-evolving fields, constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. With advancements in technology and sustainable practices, you can stay at the forefront of innovation, continuously expanding your skill set and knowledge.
Designing and building with wood offers a multitude of benefits that make it a preferred choice for architects, designers, and builders alike. Firstly, wood is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable option compared to other materials that deplete finite resources. By choosing wood, you can contribute to sustainable practices and help reduce the carbon footprint of your project.
Wood also boasts exceptional versatility. It can be easily shaped, carved, and finished, allowing for endless design possibilities. Whether you’re creating furniture, flooring, or architectural elements, wood offers a wide range of textures, colours, and grain patterns that add a natural and timeless beauty to any space. Its warmth and authenticity create a welcoming atmosphere that is hard to replicate with other materials.
The design and construction industries also provide a wide range of career paths and specialisations. Whether you’re interested in architecture, interior design, civil engineering, or project management, there is a niche for everyone. This diversity allows you to find your passion and carve out a fulfilling career that aligns with your interests and strengths.
Landscape architects plan and design land areas for projects such as open space networks, parks, schools, institutions, roads, external areas for all building types, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
AILA is the peak body for landscape architecture in Australia. AILA focuses on design, delivery and management of quality public spaces, stronger communities, and environmental stewardship.
Building surveyors provide independent oversight of buildings and building work throughout the construction process and upon completion of construction to ensure that buildings are safe for use, accessible and energy efficient.
AIBS is recognised nationally and internationally as the peak professional body representing Building Surveying practitioners in Australia.
Australia’s only trade-based organisation dedicated to carpenters. They work to improve the carpentry industry and provide support for both qualified and apprentice carpenters in Australia.
Builders works to plan, organise, direct, and coordinate the construction, alteration and renovation of dwellings and other buildings, and the resources involved in the building process.
MBA promotes the interests, viewpoints, and contribution of its 32,000 members and Australia’s $200 billion building and construction industry.
MBA is the only industry association that represents all three sectors of the industry – residential, commercial, and engineering/civil construction.
WoodSolutions is a national industry website designed to provide design and build professionals with information and technical resources about using wood and wood products. It’s also used as an educational resource for students of these fields.
On the website you can learn more about working with wood through case studies, Technical Design Guides, tutorials, standards information, and a range of other resources.
Woodwork & Woodcraft
Working with wood offers a unique blend of artistry and functionality. Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional, or modern aesthetic, wood can be shaped and crafted to suit any style, making it a highly adaptable medium for expressing your creativity.
As a designer, you can create custom products or storage solutions that not only enhance the beauty of a space but also optimise its organisation and efficiency. The satisfaction of seeing your designs come to life and witnessing the positive impact they have on people’s lives is truly rewarding.
ACFA have been the go-to for advice and support services to the furniture, cabinet making, kitchen and joinery industries since 1948.
As the peak association body, their member base includes dynamic small family businesses to large manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and professional industry advisors.
AFA is recognised as the peak industry association for the furnishing sector supply chain in Australia. Collectively the industry employs more than 250,000 Australians directly and up to 500,000 indirectly. AFA focuses on delivering quality, industry relevant, professional services to the furniture design, manufacturing, and distribution supply chain with a focus on advanced manufacturing, standards, testing, certification, compliance, and sustainable business development.
Australian Wood Review is Australia’s premier woodworking and woodcraft magazine and covers everything the recreational and professional woodworker needs to know to help them create beautiful and inspired works from wood.
Their website and newsletter are great resources to find insight, information and even study opportunities if you are passionate about working with wood.
Forestry
Forestry focuses on creating, managing, planting, harvesting, conserving, and repairing forests and woodlands. Working in forestry allows you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and be part of promoting sustainable practices. Whether you’re conducting research, managing forests, or conserving wildlife habitats, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the natural world daily.
A career in forestry offers a diverse range of job opportunities. From forest management and conservation to research and policy development, there are numerous paths to explore within this field.
Forestry falls under the Australian Government Department of Agriculture. The Government policies around ‘A Better Future for our Regions and A Future Grown in Australia,’ aim to strengthen, support, and continue a sustainable forestry sector now and into the future. Their website includes links to forestry policies, reports, and regional information.
AFPA is the peak representative body for Australia’s forest, wood, and paper products industries. They represent the industries’ interests to governments, the public and other stakeholders on matters relating to the sustainable development and use of Australia’s forest, wood, and paper products.