CPD gathers momentum

This month we are celebrating the first anniversary of the British Woodworking Federation's CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme. We launched the programme, a major new initiative for the joinery and woodworking industry, after recognising the need of employers and employees alike.

CPD is fundamentally important for any industry that needs a skilled workforce. If our sector is to prosper we need to invest in training and seek to better ourselves. The CPD programme offers this opportunity by enabling participants to gain recognition for learning and development, but also to acquire new skills.

More than a dozen companies have now taken up the scheme and we are expecting over 100 CPD records to be submitted in the first year. All employees, from apprentices to sales personnel through to the managing director, are invited to take part. Each employee has a log sheet to record their progress and to show how they are achieving the required 30 hours.

The great thing about the CPD programme is how simple it can be to gain hours through what seem like everyday activities such as attending conferences - even our BWF Members' Day. Other ways include studying for qualifications, short courses and workshops, in-company development and mentoring, private study and personal up-skilling, and other joinery industry good deeds.

The CPD programme has got off to a cracking start. This year we are looking to significantly grow participation in the programme and to develop an online platform for people to log their CPD activities and for managers to see how their teams are getting on. We are also working to develop relationships with the BWF's supplier members to have their CPD resources officially accredited in the programme and to get training providers on board to help promote it.

As Peter Hansford said at the recent launch of the government's new Industrial Strategy for Construction: "Just as construction is at the heart of the economy, people are at the heart of construction".

How we support, grow and recognise the skills of our people matters very deeply.

? TTJ Industry Updates are a forum for trade bodies to address key issues.