Industry Advocacy

The Finishing Trades Association of Australia provides a vital voice for professional finishing trades employers to influence federal and state governments, their regulatory agencies and stakeholders within the building and construction industry. The FTAA, on behalf of its member associations and the broader industries they represent, has a long history of advocating on the issues that matter to the finishing trades and their stakeholders such as:

Construction Industry Advisory Group

The Industry Advisory Group’s core function is the provision of an engagement mechanism that brings Industry and Government together. It assists in identify key skills issues as well as providing insights and perspectives on solutions.

The IAG provides an opportunity for industry and government to exchange information and prioritise focus areas. The IAG work together with government in finding solutions and making recommendations on how they might be implemented. Contributing to the IAG enables industry leaders such as the FTAA to identify opportunities to improve vocational education and promote VET further through the schools. It allows Industry to provide specific advice to government on specific policies such as housing, workforce development etc. 

The IAG meets every quarterly and is Chaired by Craig Robertson the CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority.

Reaccreditation of the Certificate II training programme Steering Committee

The Steering Committee establishes and validates the skills and knowledge outcomes of courses, provides advice on the suitability of units and development of new units and modules. This committee confirms the qualification structure, course contents and outcomes to meet the needs of the industry and all relevant OHA licensing and relevant legislation.

TAFE Teachers National Conference

The FTAA engages regularly with TAFE teachers and attends the Teachers National Conference once per year as well as their quarter meetings. This engagement is an important opportunity to connect, as Industry, to the TAFE teachers. The TAFE teachers play an essential role in training and developing the future tradespeople for the industry. It is vital as an industry association that there is strong collaborative connection with the TAFEs to ensure that they are supported in their work to deliver high quality graduates and that there is a strong and resilient trades training sector.

COVID 19 Response

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic the FTAA and MPAVT represented finishing trades at industry meetings hosted by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. A representative organisation in the Construction Industry Groups, the Association helped members to remain updated across the changing restrictions and guidelines during the COVID-19 Response. This was a vital activity on behalf of members and provided the opportunity to speak to government directly. This information gathered was critical to ensure our members had the knowledge and information to assist them in maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.

Do you have an industry issue to raise?

If you are a finishing trades employer and have an issue you feel needs to be raised with stakeholders call us on 03 7043 2872 or email [email protected]