Speaker Tom Jenkins, distance learning programme director at the University of Wales in Bangor, made the appeal at NWTTA’s recent meeting in Liverpool.
Mr Jenkins, also a Timber Trade Federation education committee member, asked NWTTA members for their partnership to ensure the trade receives graduates with relevant skills. He also said graduates needed assurance of potential employment in the industry.
NWTTA members responded by flagging up the need for customer-facing skills, knowledge of timber trade practice and market and product development.
Speaker Camilla Hair, of SCA Timber Supply, urged members to hold an event for careers advisers and to make use of the industry’s new careers leaflet by taking it to the careers library at local schools and colleges.
Chris Addison of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) completed the update on training by outlining the BWF’s programme for educating its sector of the timber supply chain.
