A Training Gap Emerges: TAFE Suspends 2026 Arboriculture Enrolments as Industry Searches for Tree Felling Sites

Western Australia’s arboriculture sector is facing an unexpected training bottleneck, with South Metropolitan TAFE announcing the suspension of new Arboriculture enrolments for 2026. The decision follows growing challenges in securing a suitable and sustainable site for mandatory tree-felling training—a core component of the Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Under normal circumstances, apprentices completing the qualification must undertake the unit FWPFGM3212 – Fall Trees Manually (Intermediate). But with WA’s native tree logging ban, the closure of the Pinjar/Yanchep pine plantations to felling activities, and tightening environmental protections, opportunities to safely conduct practical tree-felling training have dwindled to almost zero.

While these developments reflect positive environmental reform, they have created a major procedural roadblock for the state’s primary public arboriculture training provider.

Why This Matters: A Qualification Without Practical Felling Isn’t Possible

In its update to industry, South Metropolitan TAFE confirmed that without access to an appropriate felling site, it cannot meet national training requirements or its own compliance obligations. As a result:• All new enrolments for 2026 have been suspended• The qualification will transition to AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture• The felling unit will change to FWPCOT3350 – Fell Trees Manually (Intermediate)• Delivery of felling units for current 2023–2025 students has also been paused until a site is secured

TAFE assured employers that no apprentice will be disadvantaged; those approaching their contract end date in 2025 or 2026 will receive 12-month extensions while alternative arrangements are organised.

RelyOn training in progress

But for a sector already experiencing critical labour shortages, the news has triggered widespread concern.

Industry Response: “A Noticeable Gap in the Training Pipeline”

RelyOn Senior Account Manager Martha Waterson says the announcement caught many off-guard and underscores the fragility of WA’s arboriculture training infrastructure.

“The suspension was unexpected and has raised genuine concern across the industry,” Martha explains. “As a sector already managing skills shortages and increasing demand for trained, safety-focused professionals, this creates a noticeable gap in the training pipeline.”

Hands-On Training Is Non-Negotiable

One of the clearest messages from industry is that arboriculture cannot be taught purely in the classroom.

Martha explains: “Safe felling, climbing, EWP operation, rigging, and other high-risk tasks require controlled yet realistic environments where learners develop skills under supervision. Without practical exposure, graduates are not job-ready—and in a high-risk industry, that is unrealistic.”

This is precisely why the loss of felling sites is so disruptive; without practical assessments, key units simply cannot be delivered.

Alternative Pathways: RelyOn Steps In

While TAFE pauses intake, private RTOs like RelyOn are preparing to support students seeking continuity. Formerly trading as Interlink, RelyOn has delivered arboriculture training for many years and maintains strong networks with councils, utilities, and land managers to access operational worksites for training.

Martha Waterson

“We are well positioned to support students suddenly left without a pathway,” Martha says. “Our programs are built on real-world assessments and safety-driven skill development, and we continue to offer nationally recognised training with access to suitable worksites.”

RelyOn also holds access to government funding, helping keep training affordable for students affected by the TAFE suspension.

A Bigger Conversation About Training Access

Securing felling sites has been an ongoing challenge, but the 2026 TAFE suspension has brought renewed attention to an industry-wide bottleneck.

“Suitable felling and high-risk work sites are increasingly limited, and demand often exceeds availability,” Martha notes. “We work proactively to secure these locations, but it’s clear the industry needs broader support. Councils, utilities, and landholders can play a vital role by opening more sites for supervised training.”

Where to From Here?

South Metropolitan TAFE has reiterated its commitment to helping existing apprentices complete their qualifications and continues searching for a compliant felling site. Once secured, delivery of postponed units will resume immediately, and students will be fast-tracked into training.

South Metropolitan TAFE’s Managing Director Darshi Ganeson commented:

“South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) is committed to providing high-quality training for WA’s arboriculture sector to develop a pipeline of skilled workers for the industry. While suitable tree-felling sites in the Perth metropolitan region are limited, SM TAFE is temporarily pausing new enrolments in the Certificate III in Arboriculture qualification to ensure students continue to receive the best possible training.”

She continued: “SM TAFE is working with industry partners to secure new suitable training sites. SM TAFE looks forward to welcoming the next generation of arboriculture students; and as soon as an appropriate site is secured enrolments for the arboriculture qualification will reopen.”

Meanwhile, RelyOn and other private RTOs are offering practical solutions to ensure the next generation of arborists can continue progressing.

Martha’s advice to employers and students is simple: “There are reliable, high-quality alternatives available. Training continuity is absolutely achievable, and we’re ready to support anyone affected by the TAFE pause.”