YOUNG TIMBER TALENT RISE THROUGH NATIONAL CADETSHIP PROGRAM

A bold new initiative aimed at future proofing the timber industry’s workforce was recently kicked off by ITI Australia in partnership with the NTHA Trainees & Apprentices Group Training Organisation (GTO).

Seven standout young Australians were selected to join the NTHA/ITI Cadetship Program — an 18-month, hands-on training journey designed to fast-track supply chain careers.

Launched on February 3, the program combines real-world experience with formal education, as cadets work toward a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations through NTHA’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO). From warehouse logistics to internal sales, cadets will rotate through key areas of ITI’s operations and gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

The cadetship program will train up the next generation of skilled workers — helping ITI Australia reduce skill shortages and ensure they have qualified, productive staff, GTO General Manager Melissa Clark said.

“Supporting this program is an investment that will ultimately strengthen their workforce and provide an amazing career path for the cadets which is exciting,” Melissa said.

The initial response to the program was overwhelming with over 760 potential trainees applying for the program. After a rigorous recruitment program, NTHA Trainees & Apprentices handpicked recruits based on their attitude and appetite to learn.

Sourced from all over Australia the cadets include Declan Brennan from Townsville, QLD, Jaxon Haynes from Bundamba, QLD, Liam Williams from Canning Vale, WA, Mark Myatt from Port Adelaide, SA, Sam Robinson from Cardiff, NSW and Bailey Martin & Joshua Curtis from St Marys, NSW.

Earlier this month the cadets flew into ITI’s St Marys facility in Sydney for their official launch — and it was more than just a meet-and-greet. They toured BORG and Pentarch’s HPP sawmill in Oberon, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how logs become house frames, how MDF and particleboard are engineered, and how timber makes its journey from forest to floorboard.

“It is crazy how much technology is involved in making sure everything is precise and efficient. The tours gave me a better understanding of the timber industry as a whole,” said Marcus Hallam, one of the cadets.

Cadet Declan said the size of the St Mary’s ITI site was an eye opener for him.

“When I arrived, I wondered if I could do the training, but my worries were quickly silenced with laughter and fun. The training went by fast, and it was so much better than doing it alone,” he said.

Cadet Sam said, “it was great to see the process behind our timber”, while Bailey said visiting Borg’s Oberon facilities gave him an incredible insight to how particleboard and how MDF is made.

Cadet Mark said, “all site tours of head office and the sawmills were very interesting as we got to see how timber was cut to size, and how it was packaged”, while Joshua said, “seeing the timber factories made him fully understand the timber processes.”

Liam also noted that the training was presented in a way that was very easy to follow, which is exactly what ITI’s HR Manager, Tiarnna McNamara hoped would happen.

“This cadetship is about showing young people that they can build long, meaningful careers in this industry. We are not just training warehouse workers — we are developing future leaders who understand the business, the products, and the culture that makes ITI what it is,” she said.

The cadets will rotate through warehousing, logistics, customer service and product management, all with the support from trainers like NTHA Senior Trainer’s Doug Canell and Brad Mackenzie, who will run education sessions via Zoom/face-to-face sessions.

And the opportunities will continue as the cadets grow and evolve.

“ITI will deliver a range of opportunities as our business continues to grow and evolve. The cadetship program is tailored to reflect the actual needs of our industry. Our goal is for the cadets to then find the area that excites them most, and from there, we will help them build a fulfilling and long-term career,” Tiarnna concluded.