Offsite timber frame manufacturer Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has been awarded ‘Skillmaker’ status by West Herts College. This is in recognition of DTS’ ongoing commitment to the development of sustainable construction skills, by supporting West Herts College’s Level 2 Site Carpentry & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) apprenticeship programme.
The Skillmakers network comprises more than 80 businesses that are leading the way by shaping education, developing workforce skills and generating employment opportunities.
DTS has been working with West Herts College since 2018, when it was appointed to the Hertfordshire Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) framework. This included supporting a regional consortium of housing providers and Local Authorities to improve the delivery of affordable housing at a local level and to develop local enterprise partnerships.
Since the start of the partnership, DTS has provided apprentices with regular timber frame workshops and constructed a timber frame demonstration training facility within the college to showcase MMC.
In 2022, DTS placed and sponsored a West Herts College apprentice to work with one of its subcontractors, and also partnered with the college to offer a bespoke apprenticeship programme in support of the next generation of talent for timber frame construction.
Amanda Washbrook, Deputy Principal; Partnerships and Business Development at West Herts College Group, said: “We are delighted to recognise DTS as a Skillmaker. This status is in recognition of the fantastic work and support provided to us by Simon and the team at DTS. We’re incredibly grateful for the commitment they have shown to the development of skills across the sustainable construction sector. Their contributions are extremely important to us and highly commendable.
“Enhancing the qualifications we offer through employer-led masterclasses and developing job-specific skills enables us to fully prepare our students for the workplace. This is a great example of social responsibility and business working with further education to develop the next generation and tackle skills shortages.”
Simon Horn, Technical Development Manager, and Joe Romo, Construction Development Manager at DTS, manage the relationship with West Herts College.
Simon said: “The relationship with West Herts College has gone from strength to strength and delivered more than we ever imagined. 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 has been an excellent fit. We see great benefit in the partnership and hope it continues long into the future.”
