Timber industry skills shortage survey launched

It is billed as the largest employer skill survey ever undertaken in the UK’s timber industry supply chain, ranging from forestry to builders’ merchants and manufacturers.

It will be distributed to businesses and other interested parties through trade associations, research institutes and training providers operating in the UK.

The survey will map current education providers delivering to the sector and highlight gaps between supply and demand. Similarly, the research will identify areas of strength and excellence offering a catalyst for the engagement of the industry in improving skills, recruitment and training.

The CTI will present the findings to government, stakeholders and key opinion makers in order to shape the political agenda on education and skills.

Few young people decide to choose timber as a career option, as repeatedly outlined by trade organisations, training providers and companies. This issue is exacerbated by the limited offer of further education courses, apprenticeships and craft qualifications.

“This survey represents a great opportunity for the timber industries to express their views about skills needs”, said Dirk Vennix, CTI chief executive.

“In a changing and demanding world, this is a great time for employers to really get involved with skills and careers development for the future”, said Jonathan Ledger, CEO Proskills UK.

The deadline for submissions is February 5, 2016.

The survey is accessible through a printable version, downloadable here