The Welsh Forest Industries Group (WFIG) has launched a campaign for improved training for furniture and cabinetmakers after research by Pren Cymru and the Welsh Economic Research Unit showed quality training could lead to an improved market in Wales.

Another study, conducted by WFIG with financial support from the EU and the Welsh Assembly, showed that improvements in Welsh timber supply chains are providing a major opportunity for the sector.

“We have lost important training capacity and that has to be rebuilt if the industry is to take advantage of the market opportunities that have been predicted,” said Peter Harland, chairman of Treeline UK, the benchmarking and skills specialist body that leads the WFIG.

&#8220Training capacity has to be rebuilt if the industry is to take advantage of predicted market opportunities ”

Peter Harland, chairman of Treeline UK

While the WFIG is providing on-line training resources, these have to be supported with hands-on opportunities led by experts.

“Unless we develop strategies to support the ambition of a world class industry, announced by the [Welsh] Assembly in 2001 in Woodlands for Wales, we will lose skills and businesses may leave Wales,” said Mr Harland.