A pilot of the Timber Trade Federation’s (TTF) new regional and educational engagement strategy took place on February 4, organised by TTF’s regional engagement and education manager, Tabitha Binding, the Western Timber Trade Association (WTTA) and the Neath Port Talbot (NPTC) Group of Colleges.

The ‘Talking Timber’ day encouraged both lecturers and students in carpentry, joinery and construction, to find out more about today’s timber industry and products, plus advances such as modified wood, CLT and glulam. Eight timber industry professionals, 15 local employers and employees and over 70 carpentry and joinery students took part in the event, which included a mini exhibition.

“Timber provides a myriad of solutions that are not yet taught at college in the UK and we are taking the lead in changing this,” said Wayne Probert, WTTA chairman and UK director at Binderholz.

In addition to Mr Probert and Ms Binding, also giving presentations during the morning session were Nick Boulton, director of the Trussed Rafter Association, Dr Andy Pitman of TTF member Lignia Wood, the only UK-based manufacturer of modified wood, and Mark Jenkins of nationwide distributor James Latham Timber.

In the afternoon, Noel Gordon of So Modular talked about offsite construction alongside Gary Numan, chairman of Woodknowledge Wales with Robin Lancashire of BM TRADA concluding the line-up.

“It’s about people,” said Ms Binding. “Bringing the right people together – those that have the practical knowledge – with those who are learning enables us to start the conversation and make the connections which these young people need to have a successful career in building with and utilising the sustainable raw material that is the mainstay of our industry.”

The TTF is leading a multi-pronged approach to enlighten, enthuse and educate current and future design professionals and craftsmen to construct healthier, warmer and more energy efficient low carbon buildings. Further such events are now being planned across the country, expanding TTF’s regional engagement with the wood-using communities across the UK.

TRA and IOC

Carpentry and timber engineering students are set to benefit from a reciprocal agreement formed between the TRA and the Institute of Carpenters (IoC).

As part of the agreement the TRA will present at the IoC’s city hub workshops, which take place at construction colleges across the UK, offering students the chance to learn about the range of career opportunities available in the timber industry.

This will enable the TRA to showcase timber engineering as a potential career option to those looking to make their first steps into the industry. .

“This reciprocal agreement will create a lot of value for students interested in making their mark in this diverse and rewarding industry,” said Nick Boulton, TRA chief executive.

“As part of our outreach programme we are offering carpentry and joinery students free IoC membership,” said Geoff Rhodes, president of the IoC. “Our partnership with the TRA enables the students to benefit from the wealth of information that they have to offer. The agreement is hugely beneficial to both parties.”