Training pays dividends

It is at times like this in the economic cycle that many companies cut back on training.

From our recent survey of more than 100 companies in the timber industry, over 50% had carried out training in the past 12 months, and 77% of those were planning to maintain training budgets at the same level over the next 12 months. More impressively, 18% of companies said they were planning to increase spending on training. This is encouraging news, given the significant reductions in headcount that many employers have had to make during the recession and the difficult trading conditions still faced by the industry.

In our 2009 surveys with employers in the process and manufacturing sector, we found that companies that had invested in training their staff were twice as likely to have experienced growth, which is a testament to the benefits of investing in upskilling your workforce!

After several meetings in 2009 with representatives from several trade organisations (including The Timber Trade Federation, TRADA, EFIP/ConFor, UK Timber Frame Association, British Woodworking Federation, Wood Technology Society (IOM³), Wood Machinery Suppliers Association, Forest Education Initiative, UK Forest Products Association and the Builders Merchants Federation), Proskills has officially joined forces with the wood industry to develop employer-led qualifications, to promote upskilling and training and to help the industry increase its competitiveness while promoting careers in the industry.

We have set up a strategic board of employers to steer our activity. Our first task will be to review and update the National Occupational Standards and Qualifications within the industry to ensure they are fit for purpose and reflect the most recent technological changes in the industry.

We will need to consult a wider range of employers over the coming months and I would urge you to get involved. The outcome of our work is only as good as the input we receive from employers, so please contact Jackie Bazeley, Proskills wood industry lead on 07811 196326 or at jackie.bazeley@proskills.co.uk