To support this years’ National Apprenticeship Week theme of ‘Skills for Life’, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) shared the experiences of its members who started their careers as apprentices. Helen Hewitt, BWF CEO said: “By doing so, we aim to highlight the rewarding careers our sector has to offer to encourage people to consider a career in woodworking and joinery.
“We heard from those who had completed an apprenticeship at the start of their careers to find out how the skills they obtained have helped them in their career since. This built on last year’s BWF campaign, Our industry’s next generation: Apprentices tell their stories, where we heard from new and recently qualified apprentices about why they chose a career in woodworking and joinery.
“Why are we doing this? One of the main reasons is to tackle the misconceptions about careers in woodworking and joinery. For example, many believe that our work consists of learning traditional skills. While this remains a great appeal to many, and our sector’s heritage skills are something we’re incredibly proud of, we do far more than this. Firms in our sector blend traditional skills with the adoption of innovative new technologies and machinery, and a growing focus on sustainability and net zero. Our industry also supports those with varied skills and experience in disciplines such as marketing, sales, HR and operations.
“Members shared that their apprenticeships, supported by committed lecturers, enabled them to learn the basics in timber, using hand tools and joining methods, as well as improving numeracy and literary skills, before advancing to machinery use and building construction. One member whose apprenticeship led him on a journey from young site carpenter to competent site carpenter, supervisor, and all the way through into management, said that he chose to do an apprenticeship because he wanted to learn a skill which would allow him to grow and progress in the future and be put to good use in the building industry.
“The wide range of skills obtained through a woodworking and joinery apprenticeship means that upon completing an apprenticeship, there are a hugely varied number of roles available to apprentices – from skilled craftspeople and technical computer-aided design specialists to site managers, quantity surveyors, health & safety managers and engineers.
“This National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to reflect on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. By sharing the experience and insights of its members, the BWF aims to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the woodworking and joinery sector. It is vital for the future of our sector that we continue to hold this as a priority.”
