Webs/GMB Traineeship pilot launched on 14 January 2016
Webs and the GMB union launched a traineeships pilot last week for the furniture and furnishings manufacturing sector. The event was attended by representatives from the GMB union, GMB Midlands and East Coast region ULF Project, WEBS Furniture Training, as well as managers and training executives from Duresta and JDP Frames.
The launch event aimed to increase employers' and partners' involvement in training, improve communications and give union, training provider and employers a platform to raise and discuss collective issues and skills gaps across the sector.
Over the last six months, Webs Training has been working in partnership with the GMB to develop a six-week Traineeship Programme for employers in the furniture manufacturing sector. The programme incorporates work preparation training, including employability and personal development skills with English and maths where applicable and meaningful work experience.
Together Webs and the GMB union has developed a model of continuing support for trainees ensuring that the programme is high quality and that successful completion will lead to interview opportunities for apprenticeship positions. Union involvement in the design of the programme and the opportunity to progress to an apprenticeship makes this unique when compared to other traineeship programmes.
Traineeships will give employers the opportunity to help build a pool of high quality new recruits for their sector. The traineeship will for six weeks and employers will have to commit to a high quality work placement providing:
1. Pre-agreed content and objectives between the employer, Webs Training and the trainee.
2. A structured opportunity for the young person, matched to their areas of interest and aspiration and engage in purposeful learning activities.
3. The 3-4-week work placement will develop new skills and behaviours.
4. The trainee should receive coaching and training from an identified mentor in the business, receiving regular practical feedback.
Once the young person has completed their traineeship with the employer there will be a requirement to offer an interview for a position within the business. Trainees that don't secure a position are given constructive feedback together with a reference to help them to secure an apprenticeship or employment with another employer.
Chris Needham, GMB Regional Officer:
As a union, we are very proud of any initiative which helps young people into work. This new traineeship programme is a result of GMB union, WEBS Training provider and employers working in partnership for the benefit of young people. It will be a very important stepping stone that enables young people to gain skills that allow them to enter into the furniture sector."
Sammy Jones, Managing Director for Webs Training, said:
According to Government statistics, there are more than 8,000 companies in the furniture and furnishings industries employing 115 000 employees. Yet the data suggests that there are, on average, 400 Apprenticeships going through in the sector per year.
Despite the sector's contribution to the UK economy – approximately £9.4 billion to the country's GDP (nearly 2% of manufacturing output), furniture manufacturing suffers from lack of recognition at a political level. It is crucial for industry, training providers and unions that we start looking how to create the opportunities for young people in the sector."
