Diversity & RecruitmentENABLING THE WORKFORCEHoward Trotter, Shelforce’s business manager, explains why he feels diversity is the keyto recruitment in the fenestration industry and discusses Shelforce’s unique approach torecruitment.With the skills shortage proving a hugebarrier to growth for the industry,window and door manufacturerShelforce has been reaping the rewards from adiverse and inclusive approach to recruitment.Specialising in providing high-quality PVCu andaluminium products to local authority buildingprojects, Shelforce is Birmingham City Council’schosen manufacturer of choice.But it’s not just the difference Shelforce is makingoutside the workplace that’s impressive, it’s thedifference the company is making inside as well,with 75% of its workforce disabled.Howard Trotter, Business Manager, startedworking at the company in 2013 at a timewhen the business was facing major financialchallenges.But thanks to his experience in leanmanufacturing, team building and a dedicationto training and nurturing skills, the company hasexperienced a huge turnaround.A real benefitIn that time, production efficiency has reportedlyincreased by 759% and the company has gonefrom an operating loss of £1.8million to nowmaking a profit.But, as Howard explains, it’s not just thecompany that’s reaping the rewards, and thevalue that Shelforce delivers goes beyondfinancial return.“At Shelforce we have benefited hugely from thein-built resilience of disabled workers because wetake the approach that it’s about the ability, notthe disability,” said Howard.“And our approach to development has enabledpeople with different skills and aspirations tosucceed and grow within their roles, leading to30% of the workforce successfullymoving to more senior roles andover 85% diversifying their roles.“We provide our workforcewith a place that gives themconfidence, motivation anddirection.”An integrated approachShelforce has been providing an inclusiveemployment policy for over 150 years, havingbeen founded in 1839 as a workplace for visuallyimpaired people as part of the Royal School forthe Blind.The company re-invented its business model byadopting an ambitious approach to embed bothcommercial and lean manufacturing principlesinto the business and invest in the diversity of itsworkforce.A hands-on, practical approach to training thatreplicates the factory floor operations, meansall employees have a complete understandingof their role in the production process. This hasled to both increased performance and recordemployee retention levels.“Having an integrated approach to employmentrequires an unconventional recruitment processand a hands-on, practical approach to trainingthat replicates the factory floor operations,” saidHoward.“But if you’re willing to make that initialinvestment, you’re rewarded with the mostpassionate, loyal and dedicated workers youcould ask for.”Leading the wayThis inclusive approach to employment, andthe benefit it has demonstrated, is challengingthe perception of people with disabilities in theshortage.Contact Shelforce0121 603 5262www.shelforce.com@ShelforceUKworkplace, both in fenestrationand the wider business world.Howard spoke at the 2019Glazing Summit about thebenefits of a fully-inclusiveworkforce and tackling the skills“One of our aims at Shelforce is to encourageother businesses to adopt our inclusiveemployment approach,” explained Howard.“By speaking at major industry events such as theGlazing Summit, I hope that some of the windowand door firms see how well we are doing and giveit a try.”Shelforce is also focussing beyond the existingworkforce through the development of a trainingprogramme linked to local special schools.To aid this, the company will be opening a trainingfacility to help equip young people with disabilitieswith the skills and confidence for employment,particularly in the manufacturing industry.Howard added: “One of the main barriers to growthand challenges in the industry is currently facing isa skills shortage and how we attract more peopleinto the industry is something we all need to thinkabout.“There are answers out there and a commitmentto training and employment, as well as investingin the right people, is vital to help future-proof theindustry.”Left: Howard Trotter, Shelforce.24 T F FEB/MAR 2020 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
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