Review underway into industry’s key qualification and training program

Feedback has been received from industry on the draft qualification, skill set and units of competency between 25 June to 28 July 2025.

The training products undergoing this additional review are available for feedback below from 19 August to 19 September 2025.

Steve Quirk, the Director of training facilitator The Frontline Group, says this initiative aims to ensure qualifications and skills align with modern workplace demands and support future industry growth in the Window Shade and Screens sectors.

“Skills Insight, the Jobs and Skills Council for Furnishing, has partnered with Forest Works on the project now in its six month to update the national training standards for our industry,” Quirk told WFA. 

“To conduct this important work, The Frontline Group has been engaged by Forest Works to lead the industry consultation and develop the draft training product. Well known across the Window Screens and Shading industries, Frontline’s work involves seeking input from industry professionals to ensure the updated qualifications accurately reflect how work is performed today.”

“Based on stakeholder feedback, the scope of the project has been extended to allow for the drafting of new skill sets and units of competency, as well as the inclusion of additional units, before progressing to the ‘Consensus Gathering’ stage.”

Quirk says the project has focused on a comprehensive review and update of the Certificate III in Shading and Security Screens (formerly the Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens, and Grilles). 

Key goals include:
• Revising outdated content and incorporating new technologies and trends.
• Updating the qualification and increasing flexibility to better reflect industry practice.
• Developing fit-for-purpose units for safety, product knowledge, installation, and manufacturing.

As part of this effort, the project has also resulted in the development of specific skill sets:
• Installer-Shading, a crucial step towards aligning with industry’s proposed national occupational licensing system.
• Installer-Security Screens, likewise a crucial step towards aligning with industry’s proposed national occupational licensing system.
• Sales to promote technical knowledge for retailers along with sales and service skills.
• Manufacturing leadership to facilitate empowerment and build leadership capability of supervisors in manufacturing environments.

“This project is an essential step toward making sure the national training standards remain flexible, relevant, and accurate for the entire window furnishing sector,” Quirk added. 

To stay informed about the project’s progress and future opportunities to provide feedback, industry stakeholders are encouraged to check out the official project page for updates and register skillsinsight.com.au/project/window-furnishings-and-shade-sails/.