Encouraging the next generation into the industry is a key priority for the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), and last month we launched a new campaign to support our ongoing commitment to skills and talent recruitment.
The new campaign champions the role of apprenticeships in the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry and drives awareness of the many career paths available in the sector.
CHAMPIONING APPRENTICESHIPS
It brings to life the stories and experiences of new and experienced apprentices in woodworking and joinery, engineering and maintenance and operations. Through video and written content, we hear from the apprentices themselves on why they chose an apprenticeship and career in woodworking and joinery, what surprised them most about the sector and what they see as the next step in their career.
Former winner of the BWF Apprentice of the Year Award, Bailey Donkin shares his journey from apprentice to team leader at ERW Joinery, where he started his apprenticeship. We also hear from Input Joinery about the role apprentices play in its business and why it’s important for businesses to offer apprenticeships, along with apprentices from AR Manley, George Barnsdale, Masonite and William Holmes.
There is currently an increasing skills shortage affecting the construction industry, and like many other trade professions, woodworking and joinery skills are in demand and we want this campaign to help address the skills challenges within the profession.
Companies in the sector are very well equipped to provide a formal training structure for apprentices, supported by the colleges that they partner with. The ‘Our industry’s next generation: Apprentices tell their stories’ campaign, combined with our ongoing schools’ education programme – WOW I MADE THAT – clearly demonstrates the successful and diverse career options open to those considering the woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector, effectively encouraging the next generation of talent into our industry.
CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The BWF is constantly reviewing the skills and training offering to ensure it meets the needs of our members and the sector, resulting in the development of e-learning and face-to-face training courses, which are available to members and non-members in the sector. The BWF’s upcoming e-learning offer will provide dedicated courses focused on timber doors, stairs and fire doors.
Developing the skills of our current and future workforce and encouraging the next generation to consider a career in the woodworking and joinery sector through an apprenticeship route is essential for the continued growth and success of both BWF members and our profession.
By working together to tell the stories of apprentices and former apprentices in the sector, and by championing ongoing training and development, we can encourage the continued professional development of all those within our industry.
