INDUSTRYNEWS
Trade title champions ‘ Pro Skills ’ initiative
In direct response to growing concerns surrounding the skills shortage in fenestration , leading publication Pro Installer is launching a new initiative to support apprenticeship schemes , training programmes , recruitment and professional development throughout the supply chain .
» THE NEWSPAPER-STYLE PUBLICATION prints 30,000 copies every month , which is distributed at approximately 650 trade counters and pick-up points across the UK . Sister to Clearview magazine - a subscription periodical that goes to the desks of directors , fabricators , manufacturers and systems houses across the fenestration sector , Pro Installer proudly identifies as the Voice of the Industry for window and door installers , roofers , conservatory specialists and many other niche tradespeople , such as safety and security .
Steve Sidebottom , Director of Clearview Group - which is home to Pro Installer and Clearview - explains more : “ Pro Installer and Clearview have two distinct audiences when it comes to the material we publish every month . However , as one of the only publishers in fenestration that has a ‘ foot in both camps ’ we began to think about how we could connect the two readerships for mutual benefit .
“ We have always had a Pro Skills section in Pro Installer and it often features training opportunities , apprenticeship news , compliance issues and personal development programmes . Given the current crisis with the skills shortage in the industry however , we saw a gap for fenestration brands and businesses to not only recruit new talent - either experienced or novice - but to also champion apprenticeship schemes , internal and external training , qualifications and accreditation programmes , long term opportunities and short term contracts ; almost like a monthly noticeboard for Pro Installer readers .
“ Likewise , events such as the Glazing Summit have pledged to make the topic of the skills shortage the top of its agenda , however installers will be unlikely to attend , ironically because they are so inundated with work . Pro Installer is perfectly placed to inform installers of any developments , concerns and objectives ; connecting tradespeople to those ‘ higher ’ up the food chain and vice versa .
“ The only way the skills shortage can be addressed properly , we believe , is to involve installers at every step . Including them in the discussion means we can properly understand the daily issues they face , try to make things more efficient for those already in the industry , whilst making fenestration a more attractive sector for new talent . Fabricators , manufacturers and suppliers also need to be savvy about their own employment opportunities to keep the cogs turning smoothly .”
The Pro Skills initiative will launch in the November issue of Pro Installer - both in print and online . Brands and businesses wishing to get involved are invited to contact proskills @ cvgroup . co . uk with news and features on training and apprenticeship opportunities , recruitment openings , case studies , expert comment , skills schemes and CPD openings ; or anything else they feel will contribute to this ongoing conversation .
6 » NOV 2021 » CLEARVIEW-UK . COM