Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has partnered with West Herts College to offer a timber frame apprenticeship programme in support of the next generation of talent
The UK built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions.
Timber is a sustainable resource that brings several advantages, but the biggest hurdle surrounding the use of timber in the UK is education.
The timber frame apprenticeship will include four days per week on-site, delivered by one of DTS’ service level agreement partners, Bedfordshire-based S.E. Carpentry.
One day per week the apprentices will attend the College to work on in-class modules, including an additional module that will focus on modern methods of construction (MMC) for timber frame.
What does the timber frame module cover?
The module covers:
an understanding of construction technology;
health and safety;
an introduction to MMC;
and understanding construction information, materials and the installation process, together with site / project communications.
Simon Horn, technical development manager at DTS, said: “We were connected to West Herts College through our work supporting a regional consortium of housing providers and Local Authorities, to improve the delivery of housing at a local level and develop local enterprise partnerships.
“Supporting skills development in the next generation is crucial to the ongoing evolution of the UK construction industry, and is something we’re committed to at DTS, so working with the College to grow and support talent was a great fit.
“This apprenticeship programme is a pilot project for DTS and is something we would like to roll out in more areas, with more partners, in time. We’re aiming to provide real opportunities and increase motivation, while simultaneously helping to fill the skills gap in our industry.”
Sian Williams, curriculum director at West Herts College, said: “We’re excited to partner with DTS on this programme to give our learners an opportunity to receive hands-on training and develop their understanding of Modern Methods of Construction.
“It has been fantastic to work closely with DTS to develop MMC modules that incorporate new design and technologies that enable our learners to gain the most current and update knowledge and skills linking into a variety of curriculum courses.”
Gill Worgan, principal and chief executive of West Herts College Group, commented: “Our partnership with the team at Donaldson Timber Systems is so important to us, and a fine example of what can be achieved when education and employers work together. I hope we can build on these successes going forward.”
Trained to work on DTS’ timber frame build systems
Spencer Earl, managing director of S.E. Carpentry, added: “We’re proud to partner with DTS and West Herts College to provide two apprentices with the opportunity to learn from our team and develop their skills.
“It’s also unquestionably a great benefit for our business, as we will have two qualified installers at the end of the programme who are trained to work on DTS’ timber frame build systems.”
Timber Skills Action Plan
A new Timber Skills Action Plan was also recently launched at Futurebuild London to equip the UK construction industry with the skills to increase the use of timber.
The Timber Skills Action Plan has been developed in partnership between Timber Development and the HCI Skills Gateway.
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