Shelforce

Posted on 07/02/2022

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. 

 

For more information call Shelforce on 0121 603 5262 or visit www.shelforce.com.