We all have to be focused to succeed: especially when money is at stake. That’s why the work of the Timber Trades Federation Education, Training & Careers Committee is directly relevant to the operation of your business. It’s why you must get involved, whatever your company size.
We want your help in defining job descriptions and describing potential career paths, both for people already in our industry and for those looking for a new outlet for their talents. We’re looking at how we want our people to develop, something that has a direct impact on the bottom line.
We’re also looking at how to make our £2.4bn industry a more attractive career option in a competitive recruitment market and what we can learn from other sectors.
What can we give you in return? According to the Financial Times, people power, the ability of businesses to attract and retain key staff, will be the key to improving business performance in the next five years. Our committee’s work offers the prospects of better staff, better recruits and potentially better quality business for all.
I’ve felt both proud and humbled by the presence on our committee of many august educational institutions, from accrediting bodies to universities. They are giving their time to help us. We need your support, as individual timber traders and suppliers, to make the next quantum leap.
We’ve developed the basics of a website, supported by organisations surrounding the timber supply chain. Called ‘The Doorway’, it offers tempting, useful information about our sector and its careers in bite-sized chunks. It also covers continuing professional development, which can instantly improve business performance.
The committee has formed working groups tackling education and entry, timber careers promotion, and career development/job definitions. We expect to report our findings by Christmas.
I challenge everyone to become part of one of the most significant and positive moves our industry has ever made. Contact me via the TTF and find out how.
