SKILLS , RECRUITMENT , TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Proud sponsor of the Clearview skills feature
Bringing the next generation through
With a YouGov survey showing that just 3 % of people aged 18 to 24 are searching for jobs in the construction industry , the skills shortage is reaching a critical level . Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce has had huge success with its integrated approach to employment and strong staff development programme . Here , the company ’ s Business Manager Howard Trotter discusses how the fenestration industry can safeguard its future through recruitment and training .
The Government ’ s intentions to build more affordable housing and improve the nation ’ s estate of hospitals , schools , etc can only be delivered if the construction industry can find a solution to the skills shortage .
Lack of new recruits is something that certainly rings true for the fenestration industry , and it has been an important issue for our sector for several years now . And after facing 18 months of challenges not seen before due to the pandemic , our greatest one could still be to come .
Stats like the YouGov one above , and 40 % of key trades experiencing a skills shortage , according to the Federation of Master Builders , are worrying and coupled with Brexit removing free movement , now is the time to act .
And with a commitment to recruitment and training , we can make sure the glazing industry has a legacy .
An integrated approach
Finding different approaches to hiring and having an integrated approach to employment and an unconventional recruitment process is a way to bridge the skills gap .
We have an inclusive approach when it comes to employment opportunities with 75 % of our workforce disabled , and we provide a workplace initiative for some of Birmingham ’ s most vulnerable people .
As a result , and thanks to a hands-on , practical approach to training that replicates the factory floor operations , we have an exceptionally loyal , professional , and hardworking workforce and we have benefitted massively from disabled workers and their in-built resilience .
Attracting young people
The UK construction workforce is aging , with over 20 % of tradespeople over 50 , and 15 % in their 60s . When these people retire , the same percentage of young people are not entering the industry .
The lifeblood of any industry can only be sustained by replenishing it with young people , and offering apprenticeships is a great way to get young people through the door .
The problem is they have a narrow view of it and think it ’ s not a career . We need to change that perception and demonstrate what the industry ’ s about through schools and colleges and inspire students from an early age so that we grab them when they are deciding their future .
At Shelforce we have taken on apprentices and offered regular work experience placements and have developed a close relationship with Oscott Manor School in Birmingham . I was also recently invited to Highclare School in Erdington , which is where we are based , to speak to their sixth form about our industries and the career opportunities in it .
Train and retain
While making sure the next generation join the fenestration industry will be challenging , one thing that is much easier is to train existing staff .
We ’ ve all been there when someone we could see has potential leaves the company and it is very disheartening .
Investing in training and staff development and focussing on staff retention by creating a working culture that encourages people to stay will provide your workforce with the tools to build long and rewarding careers .
Our internal culture is driven by a strong staff development programme and high levels of engagement which has led to 30 % of the workforce successfully moving to more senior roles and over 85 % diversifying their roles .
The pandemic has seen many people lose their jobs , with young people also badly hit with regards to their future , so there are plenty of people with transferable skills that are looking for a change of career and can be nurtured , and our industry can offer that .
For the individual , the opportunities for a dynamic career are endless – and if we can get that message across we can start to reverse the tide and safeguard our industry ’ s future .
www . shelforce . com
16 FEBRUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM