14 | Skills & Education
Campaigning for timber sector education, training and skills development
WORKING TOGETHER Jan Antonovics, of training provider TFT Woodexperts, looks at how the timber industry is using training to face the future
Above: Neil Summers (far right), with the group of Jewson employees who took part in TFT Woodexperts training recently
In a recent edition we highlighted the TTJ Awards ceremony, which was one of the first live events to be held in 2021 after restrictions were suspended in the summer (TTJ September/October 2021). Since the time of writing that article, further events have now taken place – the launch of Timber Development UK, and the annual conference of the Structural Timber Association – to name but two and each of which have given a welcome opportunity for the timber trade to meet socially, to catch up with colleagues old and new, and to discuss some of the many issues facing our sector in these challenging times.
Having had the chance to see dialogue getting going between the many industry partners at recent gatherings, it was great to see that so many younger people are now becoming involved at increasingly senior levels. It has also become apparent that, due to other changes – retirements, mergers and acquisitions – it is even more important to ensure that those coming up through the ranks are equipped with a recognised qualification, as they replace those who have moved on. A recent survey carried out anonymously with the latest group studying with TFT Woodexperts Ltd, for their Wood Science Certificate, provides a useful insight into what some of the students who work for Jewson Ltd, thought about their experience. One student said that although the content was technical, it was also both engaging and enjoyable, encouraging group interaction. Another commented that he found it an excellent course, very well-
presented. Others mentioned that it was easy to follow, explanations were in a simple and effective format, the course had given a clear understanding of [the uses] of timber and [conferred the] ability to ask customers questions about the usage of timber products. “This was a mixed group of nine, of all ages and different levels, from junior staff to more senior managers and supervisors, all of whom faced stiff competition within Jewson for a place on this course,” said tutor Neil Summers, himself a Wood Science graduate.
“They brought their existing knowledge, but welcomed the opportunity to add to it, with a more technical understanding of the use of wood as a material,” said Mr Summers. “We have had four, quite intense, sessions and I’m very pleased to receive this feedback on the presentation and content, and how enjoyable the delegates found it to be,” he added. “As a wood science consultancy, our work involves investigating the uses of timber in all its forms, when it seems to have performed differently to what might have been expected, particularly with reference to some of the more recent technological advances,” said Jim Coulson, Woodexperts’ director.
“This hands-on experience is what informs the technical content of our qualification, the Level 4 Certificate in Wood Science and Timber Technology, assuring that the training we give is up-to-date and relevant to real world situations. “Similarly, our quality and compliance arm, TFT Certification, works to ensure that standards and regulations are followed in our industry, and this experience is also featured in the course,” said Mr Coulson. “We are also pleased to announce that two more applicants are now undertaking the new Master’s Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Wood Science, adding further to their companies’ ability to face the challenges of the future.” ■
Supporting the Confederation of Timber Industries’ (CTI) Skills & Education initiative
TTJ | January/February 2022 |
www.ttjonline.com
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