March 2022

News Roundup
SKILL SHORTAGES
Veka says it’s time to take action to address the skills
shortage.
As Veka points out, the skills shortage in
our industry has long been discussed.
The company says it was a problem before
the perfect storm hit, with historical low
levels of unemployment, combined with the
fall-out from the pandemic, and a lack of
international labour following Brexit.
And all at a time when order books within the
industry have never been fuller.
Veka says our technologically driven industry
has been leading the way in manufacturing
excellence and innovation for decades and
will continue to do so for decades to come,
but points out the skills shortage issue didn’t
appear overnight, and it won’t be solved in
a matter of weeks. But, as the team at Veka
point out, positive steps can be taken now.
“Finding ways to make our industry a more
attractive proposition to work in seems
the logical place to start,” explained Paul
Armstrong, Operations Director at Veka.
“There has to be a ‘desire’ to want to work
within manufacturing, not a downbeat ‘I’ll
have to settle for this’ attitude.
“Developing and nurturing the next generation
is vital if we are to achieve this goal. This
involves finding out what motivates young
people – training, qualifications, incentives,
career fulfilment – and understanding the
best way to communicate this to them.”
www.veka.co.uk
BWF LAUNCHES APPRENTICESHIP PUSH
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) will
be championing the role of apprenticeships in
the woodworking and joinery manufacturing
industry in an upcoming campaign.
Encouraging the next generation into the industry is
a key priority for the BWF, and the new campaign –
which will feature current and former apprentices
– forms part of the organisation’s 2022 plans over
skills, talent recruitment and retention.
Driving awareness of the many career paths in the
woodworking and joinery manufacturing profession,
as well as the positive contribution that apprentices
make to businesses, activity will be focused around
sharing the stories and experiences of apprentices
As part of its commitment
to becoming carbon neutral
by 2030, ERA, one of the
UK’s leading home security
and fenestration component
providers, is currently installing
over 2,600 solar panels at its
UK headquarters in South Staffordshire..
Forecast to achieve an annual energy output of
979,200 kWh, the solar panels are being fitted
across the roof of the 135,000 sq. ft purpose built
facility, which houses ERA’s design, prototyping,
and successful professionals who began their careers
through the achievement of an apprenticeship.
Launching in March, video content will bring to
life the journeys of individuals entering into, and
professionals already working in the woodworking
and joinery manufacturing industry, and also raise
awareness of the broad range of roles within and
supporting the profession.
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking
Federation said: “This campaign will really shine a
light on the essential role that apprenticeships play
within the woodworking and joinery manufacturing
industry in bringing the next generation of talent into
our profession.” www.bwf.org.uk
SUSTAINABLE HQ GOALS FOR ERA
aluplast fully met the profile requirements of
fabricator and installer customer Seal-Lite
after its previous supply “went off a cliff” as
demand rocketed following the first lockdown
in 2020.
Seal-Lite now produces frames in the Ideal 70
system, which can achieve a WER of A+ with
standard components, and has extended its range
with the Flush Casement, and is compatible with
the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems.
Seal-Lite also has access to aluplast’s range of 40
foil finishes, including the woodec and aludec foils.
For more company news visit www.total-installer.co.uk
manufacturing, assembly and
warehousing operations, plus its
UKAS accredited test house.
The deployment of renewable
energy technologies forms part
of ERA’s parent company, Tyman
UK & Ireland’s 2030 Sustainability Excellence
Roadmap, which also includes dedicated carbon
removal projects for hard-to-reduce carbon
emissions.
www.eraeverywhere.com/
ALUPLAST TO THE RESCUE OF SEAL-LITE
“Seal-Lite is an old friend of aluplast, and we are
glad to have them back on board,” aluplast’s UK
owner Keith White said.
“While they are a trade fabricator, 25% of their
business comes from their retail operations. This
gives them a real insight into the local economy
and allows them to offer an even better service to
the trade.
“We look forward to working with Jim, Chris and
Sue, and providing them with new products to
make the most of new opportunities.”
https://aluplast.co.uk/
10 T I MARCH 2022 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST