TDUK’s Head of Technical and Trade Policy, Nick Boulton, joined a number of timber industry stakeholders on 16 January at Northampton College as part of a CITB-IOC Timber Industry College Hub event and mentoring programme.
Eight guest speakers, including Nick, met with carpentry students on the day to explore the different career paths available within the timber industry, as well as to offer technical and sustainability updates.
Nick offered the students an insight into timber’s role in sustainability and the green agenda, as well as exploring the UK raw material supply chain, while other guests explored advancements in MDF and OSB production, and the conservation work and career paths available in the heritage sector.
The guest speaker line-up included:
- Emma Cook (CITB): Who explored the employment landscape and career opportunities.
- Nick Boulton (TDUK & TRA): Who offered insights into UK raw material supply, sustainability, and the green agenda.
- Roly Ward (Medite SmartPly): Who discussed advancements in MDF & OSB production and technical developments.
- Neil Summers (AHEC): Who gave his perspective on American hardwood exports.
- Mick McGuckin (Hervey Building Supplies): Who revealed local employment opportunities in the building material supply sector.
- Emma Woodward (Historic England): Who discussed conservation work and the career paths available in the heritage sector.
Northampton College was one of 10 colleges around the country to take part in the CITB-IOC mentoring programme. Deputy Principal Joanne Philpott gave a warm welcome to all those attending, followed by a speech delivered by Geoff Rhodes, President of the Institute of Carpenters.
