Facilitated by the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), some 30 students on fine furniture-making, carpentry and joinery courses at London’s Building Crafts College have visited timber merchants Arnold Laver.
All students who attended were members of the Institute of Carpenters’ (IoC) London ‘City Hub’ and the visit was part of on-going co-operation between the TTF and the Institute of Carpenters. The aim of the visit was to help new entrants to the timber sector from across the supply chain to understand the diversity of timber-based and wood products now available.
The IoC is rolling out its programme of ‘City Hubs’ across the UK during 2019-20, starting with colleges in London, on Tyneside and in Lancashire. The Hubs link student members of the Institute with currently practicing and retired IoC members, who can act as mentors to those beginning to develop their careers.
The Hubs also encompass potential employers and representatives from six timber sector bodies including TTF, all with an active interest in skills and wood industry careers.
The visit was hosted by TTF member, national timber merchant Arnold Laver, which has reportedly been a staunch supporter of moves to promote careers with wood over many years.
Managing Director of Arnold Laver, Patrick Guest, commented: “It was a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and interest shown by the students. It behoves us all to do what we can to create bridges and share knowledge throughout the supply chain, and to promote careers using our sustainable, renewable material.”
IoC member, London City Hub organiser and Building Crafts College tutor Andy Mayes, added: “Our students learn wood science as part of their training. Seeing the sheer variety of timber-based and wood products now available enables them to envision creative new futures for themselves and for their customers.”
Nick Boulton, Technical & Trade Director at the Timber Trade Federation, concluded: “We are pleased to play a role in connecting and educating the supply chain for timber. We are in a knowledge business, and it’s vitally important to pass that knowledge on to the next generation, whether they be future timber merchants, carpenters, joiners or furniture makers.”
The next IoC City Hub meeting will be at Newcastle College on Tyneside on the evening of 12 June. Contact the Institute of Carpenters for details, via www.instituteofcarpenters.com.
