Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice

Like many other UK industries Fenestration, Glass and Glazing is experiencing a significant decrease in the number of young people choosing it as a career option, leading to a noticeable skills shortage.

To help address this, the industry campaign Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice is working to introduce young people to the fantastic career options the industry has to offer.

The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry has over 50 dedicated career paths with opportunities for progression in all.  The industry has an annual turnover of over £4.6 billion and is pivotal to the UK economy. Every building features windows, doors and glass, and glass now features heavily across city skylines.

A modern-day example of the work of the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry is the Shard. This stunning structure has transformed the landscape of London since its construction and is a great illustration of what the industry is about, and one of the many reasons why those employed in it are so passionate about it and what it does.

The Shard

Building Our Skills works closely with many industry employers, and is proactively promoting Inspiring the Future to those keen to encourage young people to experience and learn about the industry and the many careers paths available.

They are urging those in the industry to  share their experiences with young people and be a part of the Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice campaign.

Volunteers can give from any hour a year and choose to support schools local to their home or work address or to take part in virtual sessions with schools across the country.

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Ambassador for Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing A Career of Choice, John Ogilvie, calls for the industry to get more involved with schools and colleges:

“Volunteering for this fantastic campaign is an opportunity to be able to influence young people about their career prospects, even before they reach an age to decide. Helping teachers and parents to educate young people and experience what incredible career options are open to them is something that will benefit the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry greatly.”

“We are appealing to employers to encourage their employees to volunteer and support the campaign and to engage with local schools.  It will make a real difference to the future of our industry”.

Katy Langham Director of Operations and Programmes for Inspiring the Future adds:

“We are delighted to have this partnership with Building Our Skills to get fenestration, glass and glazing industry volunteers out into schools and talking to young people about the exciting careers that it offers. I too would like to urge employers and employees in the sector to come forward and volunteer. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I can promise volunteers that they won’t regret it!”