As a timber specialist from inception, Jewson has always been well-equipped to satisfy customer requirements for timber and timber products. Although industry demand for other building materials has encouraged Jewson to widen its product range, the company proudly retains its position as a major timber trader.
In 2007, Saint-Gobain Building Distribution reorganised its timber business in the UK, bringing together under one management team all of its companies whose focus was the import, processing, manufacture and sale of timber and engineered timber products.
Keen to build on the existing skills of its employees, the Timber Group has developed a series of training programmes to ensure its companies and Jewson remain at the forefront of the industry.
Most timber experts would agree that training is a key issue. Recently the group launched the Timber Trading Academy, offering employees foundation, intermediate and advanced programmes. Employees are encouraged to progress both their training and their career in the timber trade. The Academy provides comprehensive product training modules covering all areas of the timber product spectrum, as well as commercial training modules such as product sourcing, stock management and logistics.
The group has also been collaborating with wood for good to incorporate online training into the programmes and all modules are designed to improve skills and increase commercial awareness across all areas including importing, milling, merchanting, wholesaling and timber engineering. Focused on helping staff expand their experience within the trade, the Timber Academy’s motto is “training for trading”. Completion of the advanced programme culminates in an Institute of Wood Science accreditation.
Both the group and its training programmes provide attractive opportunities for the timber profession to capitalise on, while at the same time increasing the quality of service for its customers. Training is vital for the future of the group and for the trade as a whole. Not only does it develop the skills set of employees, but it adds an extra dimension to the credibility of our industry.
