Guest speakers, organisers and college represntatives gather together for a group photograph
College who plays host to this occasion says ‘traditionally events like this only happen in big cities’
Ten carpentry heavyweights created an event that hopes to chip away at skills shortages in their industry this week.
The occasion was called the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) - Institute of Carpenters (IOC) Timber Industry College Hub Event and was hosted by West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group.
Welcomed by Dr Nikos Savvas, Principal of Abbeygate Sixth Form College and Chief Executive of Eastern Education Group, over 150 students were in attendance and they got to hear a variety of insights from a range of speakers who represented companies such as English Heritage, Seamans, TDUK , Medite SmartPly and the American Hardwood Export Council.
According to Brian Tunbridge, a carpentry lecturer at West Suffolk College, it was an ‘honour’ to be a venue for this prestigious coming together.
Brian said: “It was an informative day and the students heard lots of new information that can help them in the future. Traditionally events like this only happen in the big cities like Birmingham and London so it was a real privilege to be able to host and getting technical specialists in to share their knowledge with the next generation was a real honour and a great coup.
IOC President Geoff Rhodes with Marcus Jahrling from the IOC ahead of this conference that aims to get more young people interested in carpentry careers.
“The students were able to gain contacts, network and learn new things about the carpentry trade so we had some really positive outcomes.”
Geoff Rhodes is the IOC President. Geoff said: “The IOC was established in 1890 and it’s all about education, training and skills. As a nation we lost the momentum for about 30 years when apprenticeships dropped off the page. Now, it’s getting back on the page and as an organisation we are helping bring industry partners together to talk about careers. Therefore this was an important event where we united to help young people with their development.
Ben Whatling from SEAMANS who talked to young people at this conference in relation to job opportunities at the company he works for.
In terms of the relationship with West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group Geoff added: “West Suffolk College is just one of ten colleges nationally to be part of our mentoring scheme.
In East Anglia this is a frontline college and partner of the IOC and we are delighted that West Suffolk College is part of our IOC Mentoring Champions programme.”
Nick Boulton from TDUK & Truss Rafter association at this carpentry conference that was hosted by West Suffolk College.
One of the guest speakers was Nick Boulton from TDUK and Truss Rafter Association. Nick said: “Every industry needs young people coming through with the right qualifications so we have been working with the IOC and CITB to visit technical colleges and encourage people to come in to the timber sector. The day was all about careers and education within the industry and everyone coming together to promote opportunities.
Ben Whatling is director of special works at Seamans. Ben said: “We are struggling with an industry shortage of personnel which is why events like this are important.”
One of the students to attend was Fred Nyberg who works for TMJ Interiors. Fred said: “This event was really interesting.”