The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) will be promoting the industry at the Apprenticeship and Education Event in Birmingham on 25 April. The event attracts over 6,000 school and college students who are looking to be inspired about their future.
John Mannell, Technical Officer & Training Manager at the GGF, explains why the organisation has decided to exhibit at the event: “It is estimated that the construction industry needs an additional 50,000 skilled workers, including from the glass, glazing and fenestration industries, to meet the government’s net zero objective, so it is imperative that we play our part in attracting new talent to the sector.
“The Apprenticeship and Education Event will be the first apprenticeship fair we are attending this year, with another following in October and is suitable for school children from the age of 10 years old, right through to college students who are considering the next step on their career path, whether that’s further education, training, or employment. The glazing industry has so many different jobs to offer across installation, manufacture, human resources, marketing, and sales, to name just a few, it is important that we are represented at these sorts of events. And if students of school leaving age want more information about jobs available now, they can access the industry Jobs Board that sits on both the GGF and FENSA websites.”
John continues: “As the most influential trade association in the industry, with GGF members making up over 60% of the sector’s £4 billion annual turnover, we are well positioned to raise awareness and represent the sector. Also, with our own Skilled Pathways Scheme already in place, we have an inside working knowledge of apprenticeships that we can share with the young people attending apprenticeship fairs.
“We’re confident we can play our part in helping the construction sector to meet the government targets, but we do need to make the most of as many opportunities like this as we can to get there.”
