Clearview 241 - December 2021 | Seite 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

TACKLING ONGOING SKILLS GAP

» KENRICK IS DOING ITS bit to address the continuing skills shortage and inspire more people into the industry . The West Bromwich-based hardware supplier has already supported the training and development of three youngsters , with one recently celebrating completing the first year of his apprenticeship with Kenrick .
Alex Chester combines theoretical learning for his Level 3 Engineering Technician Mechatronics Pathway course with practical training at Kenrick . Working closely alongside Kenrick ’ s maintenance manager Barry Faulkner , the 25-year old is hoping to become a maintenance engineer when he
completes his three and a half year apprenticeship at the Lean Engineering and Manufacturing Academy ( LEMA ) in Dudley .
Alex says : “ I ’ m delighted to have completed the first year of my apprenticeship at Kenrick . It ’ s been a great learning experience for me and I ’ ve had the opportunity to develop lots of new skills , from carrying out
machine and facilities repairs to electrical and lighting work and day to day maintenance .”
Andy White , operations manager at Kenrick , added : “ The skills shortage is still a pressing industry issue , particularly in the current climate where many skilled European migrants have returned to their home countries during the pandemic .
“ The best way to develop is to shadow and learn from someone who is highly skilled and willing to share their knowledge and this is exactly what Alex has been doing with us . We see great potential in Alex and we ’ re very pleased to help him establish a worthwhile career at Kenrick , learning those all-important engineering and maintenance skills . We ’ re proud to be bridging the gap in the skills shortage and attracting the next generation of people , like Alex , to enter the sector .” Kenrick is a progressive company and is always on the lookout for capable people to join its team .
Find out more by emailing
sales @ kenricks . co . uk

Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Services from BPF

» MARTIN ALTHORPE , TECHNICAL Director of Epwin Window Systems for more than 10 years , has been awarded the British Plastics Federation ’ s prestigious Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Services to the BPF and the wider industry .
Philip Law , Director General at the BPF , said : “ Martin ’ s award is the result of decades of outstanding and steadfast support for the British Plastics Federation ’ s
Windows Group and the wider Federation . Martin was the longstanding Chairman of the BPF Windows Group Technical Committee and has since served many years as Chairman of the whole Windows Group . These were testing times for the industry which was the object of unwarranted environmental attacks and was also undergoing a period of rationalisation . Martin ’ s leadership brought the Group through these difficulties intact and provided a very strong sustainability story . Following his longstanding role on the BPF ’ s Council and its Strategy and Finance Committee , Martin was elected as BPF President in 2019 and then served through the most difficult time in the BPF ’ s history until 2021 . Martin ’ s calm , measured approach to the BPF ’ s business was an inspiration to the members and staff in so many of the crisis meetings held . He is uniquely qualified to be the recipient of the BPF ’ s Gold Medal Award .”
Clare O ’ Hara , Managing Director of Epwin Window Systems , commented :
“ We are delighted that Martin has received this award . It ’ s fitting recognition of his work and commitment throughout the industry .”
The Gold Medal Award is voted for by senior members of the BPF . Martin is the first representative of the window industry to receive the honour and joins an elite group of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the UK plastics industry . He was presented with his award in front of 440 guests by Karen Drinkwater , the current President of the BPF , at the BPF ’ s 88th annual dinner , which was held at the Royal Lancaster London on 14 October 2021 .
The BPF is the world ’ s longest running plastics trade association . It was established in 1933 and has represented and promoted the UK plastics industry ever since . It has more than 450 member companies that span the entire plastics supply chain .
www . epwinwindowsystems . co . uk
8 DECEMBER 2021 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM