Consultation with businesses in the wood processing and manufacturing sector is under way to develop a new Certificate in Wood Chain Operations programme.
Led by UK Woodchain, the organisation created by the sector’s trade and professional bodies to develop a training and qualifications framework, the aim is to have the programme up and running by next year.
Initially consultation will focus on an apprenticeship scheme that uses the new credit-based approach, allowing employers and entrants to select not only the content but also the pace of the programme and the method of learning.
Existing modules developed by the Institute of Wood Science and the Welsh Forest Industries Group and accredited staff development schemes created by trade bodies will be incorporated into the programme.
UK Woodchain director of learning Mike Marchant said: “The new certificate programme will provide an industry-approved framework that satisfies employers and apprenticeship funding requirements.”
He said it would help processing and manufacturing industries to attract and develop staff able to operate and learn effectively in the workplace which, he added, would give businesses an extra edge.
Meanwhile, the UK Woodchain has embarked on a full-scale research programme. Top of the agenda is the production of a “map” of the sector to identify strengths and weaknesses in resources available to businesses.
Other research includes reviewing outdated standards underpinning awards for sawmilling and wood machining; a study of how businesses are dealing with an ageing workforce; and the design of a vocational awards scheme for both apprentices and experienced staff.
