A groundbreaking training agreement has been struck by leading timber industry organisations which could open the gates to millions of pounds of government funding.
Industry groups representing a significant part of the timber sector, from forestry through to joinery, agreed at a meeting in Newcastle to work to ensure all their training is National Occupational Standards (NOS) compliant – a key component in attracting government funding.
The January 24 meeting, a direct result of Timber Trade Federation (TTF) president Neil Donaldson’s cross-industry summit last summer, ended with all attendees agreeing to reconvene on April 8 where they “hope to ratify” the development, with UK Woodchain (UKW) acting as the sector’s standards setting body.
UKW’s Mike Marchant said that the period to April would allow the industry to become accustomed to NOS and carry out individual assessments on what developments needed to be made. UKW would then bring things together.
“It’s about connecting industry training and putting NOS at the centre of that effort,” said Mr Marchant. “The sooner we get NOS, the sooner we can start knocking on the government’s door for funding.”
TTF chief executive John White said the trade had recognised a “need to work together”.
“It is a step in the right direction,” said Mr White. “It’s a strategic agreement that will tease out some of the issues and help work out what the industry needs.”
Backing the move are The Institute of Wood Science, UK Forest Products Association, ConFor, Napier University’s Centre for Timber Engineering, TRADA, wood for good, British Woodworking Federation, UK Timber Frame Association and Council of Forest Industries, as well as UKW and the TTF.
