After an extensive survey across its 24 branches, Howarth Timber Group is putting a new training programme in place to improve the general and timber-specific knowledge and skills of its workforce.
The survey identified some skills gaps and, as a result, an ongoing programme of grass roots level courses such as computer skills, sales and presentation skills, side loader driving and equipment handling will be put in place.
Group human resources manager Glynn Crosby said: ‘Currently there is a sad lack of industry-specific training for the timber trade. Last year we did a pilot training scheme and this is the first time we have done training in a co-ordinated, efficient way.’
He hopes to incorporate the Institute of Wood Science Foundation Timber Studies programme into the training.
‘In addition to external courses,’ he said, ‘we hope to make more use of the vast skills base that exists within Howarth’s more experienced employees to equip managers of the future with a strong foundation of timber industry expertise.’