Feb/March 2020

Editor’s Comment
SOPHIE STEVENS
EDITOR
SOPHIESTEVENS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
01892 732047
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF
SHELFORCE
There is a recurrent theme running throughout this inaugural issue
of Total Fabricator, and it’s based around skills. Gaining them,
maintaining them, and retaining those people who have, or at least
have the potential to develop them, is clearly a cause for concern.
Speaking to fabricators at a recent event, the changing expectations
and attitudes of youngsters growing up in the digital age was suggested
as one barrier to recruitment, and while others praised the skill,
efficiency and work ethic of migrant workers from Europe, questions
were raised over the impact of Brexit on this valuable source of labour.
Howard Trotter talks skills and recruitment issues for fabricators on page 24.
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Our departure from the EU and competition from sectors which are
“perceived as being a bit more exciting” are also among the challenges
for the machinery sector, according to Emmegi’s Wayne Hunter, who
explains why investing in the training of machine operators pays
dividends on p.38. His sentiments are echoed by Promac’s Joe Hague
on p.16, who believes “the quality of machinery operators is crucial to
a successful business”.
While challenges evidently abound, it’s good to know that the industry
is stepping-up in response. Building Our Skills’ Stephanie Tague talks
about the effort to attract and retain new talent on page 58 and on
page 24, Shelforce’s Howard Trotter explains why diversity is key.
Elsewhere, on page 28, Senior’s Tony Powell highlights how providing
fabricators with quality product training can help strengthen the supply
chain, demonstrating that skills and training are a continual process.
I hope you enjoy the issue!
Sophie
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