Clearview National November 2019 - Issue 216 | Page 14

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Answers to the skills
shortage are out there
One of the main challenges the industry is currently
facing is a skills shortage, and it’s one of the biggest
barriers to growth. But there are answers out there.
» » THAT’S THE VIEW OF HOWARD
Trotter, Business Manager of leading
windows and doors manufacturer
Shelforce.
Shelforce specialises in providing high-
quality products to local authority building
projects and is Birmingham City Council’s
chosen manufacturer of choice.
But what sets the company apart is that
75% of its workforce is disabled, meaning
Shelforce is leading the way in the industry
when it comes to inclusive employment.
And Howard’s dedication to training and
nurturing the skills of his workforce has
played a huge part in Shelforce’s success.
Howard said: “How we tackle the skills
shortage and attract more young people into
the industry is something that we all need to
think about as it’s a huge challenge that we
face.
“But there are answers out there, and a
commitment to training and employment is
vital.”
REAPING THE REWARDS
Howard started working with Shelforce
in 2013 when the business was facing major
financial challenges.
But thanks to his experience in lean
manufacturing and team building,
production efficiency has increased by 759%
and the company has gone from an operating
loss of £1.8million to now making a profit.
Howard said: “Disabled workers can
make exceptionally loyal, dedicated, and
hard-working employees in this or any other
industry and we have benefitted massively
from this in-built resilience.
“Having an integrated approach to
employment requires an unconventional
recruitment process, and a hands-on,
practical approach to training that replicates
the factory floor operations – but if you’re
willing to make that initial investment,
you’re rewarded with the most passionate and
dedicated workers you could ask for.”
14 » N OV 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
TRAINING FACILITY
To further cement its reputation as an
inclusive employer, Shelforce is in the process
of opening a dedicated training facility at
its factory in Erdington to provide regular
work experience placements for students
from nearby schools, including special needs
schools.
Howard said: “By offering regular work
experience placements, we want to help young
adults of all abilities take their first steps into
the workplace – and continue a proud legacy
of supporting Birmingham’s population.
“We have already developed a close
relationship with Oscott Manor School in
Birmingham, a community school catering to
children with autism, and we hope to establish
similar links with other schools in the area.
“It’s vitally important that we help future-
proof the industry when it comes to skills.”
ENCOURAGING OTHERS
Howard joined a stellar line-up of speakers
at the 2019 Glazing Summit at Edgbaston
Stadium and Conference Centre and spoke
about the future of skills and tackling the skills
shortage as part of the Barriers to Growth
debate.
“One of our aims at Shelforce is to
encourage other businesses to adopt our
inclusive employment approach and give it a
try,” explained Howard.
“It’s why being able to speak about it
at events such as the Glazing Summit is
brilliant.
“As I said, there are answers to the skills
shortage out there, but we all need to know
collectively what those answers are.”
For more information call Shelforce on
0121 603 5262 or visit www.shelforce.com