PROINSTALLER . CO . UK THE VOICE OF THE TRADE

10 Summit up

October ’ s Glazing Summit to tackle the future of fenestration .

16 Get smart

Smart tech that ’ s kinder on the planet and installers ’ pockets .

In direct response to growing concerns surrounding the skills shortage in fenestration , leading publication Pro Installer is launching a new initiative to support apprenticeship schemes , training programmes , recruitment and professional development throughout the supply chain .

The newspaper-style publication prints 30,000 copies every month , which is distributed at approximately 650 trade counters and pick-up points across the UK . Sister to Clearview magazine - a subscription periodical that goes to the desks of directors , fabricators , manufacturers and systems houses - Pro Installer is described as the ‘ Voice of the Industry ’ for window and door installers , roofers , conservatory

specialists and many other niche tradespeople , such as safety and security . Steve Sidebottom , Director of Clearview Group explains : “ Pro Installer and Clearview have two distinct audiences . However , as one of the only publishers in fenestration that has a ‘ foot in both camps ’ we began to think about how we could connect those once a month .

“ We have always had a Pro Skills section in Pro Installer and it often features training opportunities , apprenticeship news , compliance issues and personal development programmes . Given the current skills crisis , we saw a gap for fenestration brands and businesses to not only recruit new talent - either experienced or novice - but to also champion apprenticeship

schemes , internal and external training , qualifications and accreditation programmes , long term opportunities and short term contracts ; almost like a monthly noticeboard for employers and employees .

“ Likewise , events such as the Glazing Summit have pledged to make the topic of the skills shortage the top of its agenda , however installers will be unlikely to attend , ironically because they are so inundated with work . Pro Installer is perfectly placed to inform installers of any developments , concerns and objectives ; connecting tradespeople to those ‘ higher ’ up the food chain and vice versa .

“ The only way the skills shortage can be addressed properly , we believe , is to involve installers at every

step . Including them in the discussion means we can properly understand the daily issues they face , try to make things more efficient for those already in the industry , whilst making fenestration a more attractive sector for new talent . Fabricators , manufacturers and suppliers also need to be savvy about their own employment opportunities to keep the cogs turning smoothly .”

Anyone wishing to get involved are invited to contact proskills @ cvgroup . co . uk with news and features on training and apprenticeship opportunities , recruitment openings , case studies , expert comment , skills schemes and CPD openings ; or anything else they feel will contribute to this ongoing conversation .