Increasing skills, capacity, and competency across the supply chain
OUR MISSION
Abridged from the Timber in Construction Roadmap
This joint committee, empowered by the Timber in Construction Roadmap, is seeking to build a skilled and competent workforce across the timber supply chain, from forestry through to engineering, design, and construction. It aims to attract new entrants, improve training pathways, and support upskilling and reskilling so the sector can meet growing demand for timber in construction.
Key priorities include strengthening forestry education to address shortages of skilled foresters, developing specialist timber construction training in architecture, engineering, carpentry, and joinery, and expanding apprenticeships, modular courses, and CPD opportunities.
By improving visibility of timber-related careers, promoting diversity, and aligning education with industry needs, this committee seeks to ensure the workforce can deliver safe, efficient, and innovative timber buildings. This coordinated approach will underpin the long-term growth and sustainability of timber construction in the UK.
LATEST UPDATES
01 May 2025
A multi-faceted approach to increase ‘skills, capacity and competency across the supply chain’ is gaining momentum, supported by the Skills Working Group within the Timber in Construction Roadmap.
Specialised training for contractors on the use of timber in construction has been sorely lacking and is an issue we are determined to overcome. Poor installation increases the risk of product failure, and damages the reputation of the industry.
A key project we are progressing with the CITB will mean for the first time ever, courses will be available to upskill workers from a sole focus on brick and block to one where they can confidently handle timber in construction.
CHAIR: PROFESSOR ROBERT HAIRSTANS
FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TIMBER TECHNOLOGIES (CATT)
Professor Robert Hairstans leads the Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures (COCIS) research group at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), is Skills and EDI lead for the Centre for Net Zero Carbon High Density Buildings (Cen NZ High DB) and the founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) at the New Model Institute of Technology and Engineering (NMITE).
