Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell takes a cautious step outside his bubble.
Slowly, things are returning to normal. For the first time in about 18 months I am heading out to visit a company (this time Regalead in Hawick) and I am sitting on a sparsely populated train. It’s a small step, but it feels like a leap. After a year and a half of Zoom meetings, this feels a little bit unnatural.
However, embrace the new normal we must, especially as we’ve got a lot of pressing matters to engage with. Yes, top of the list are supply chains woes, booming demand, and the expected tightening of regulations regarding thermal efficiency. However, also pressing is the issue of a skilled workforce.
We cover skills and education every month in the magazine, and for good reason: intelligent and efficient machinery, and easy-to-install products will only get you so far; we still need skilled and reliable operators. What’s the point of having an A+ window if it is installed incorrectly?
It was reassuring to hear on the news this morning that Ukas is to encourage more students to take up apprenticeships where, previously, they were looking at universities. I couldn’t find details at the time of writing, but engagement with the private sector was discussed as important to any scheme’s success.
Therefore, it is good to report that Quickslide, for example, is establishing an apprenticeship scheme, and interesting to read The Window Company (Contracts)’ David Thornton’s views on the subject matter.
I’m always keen to hear your thoughts.
Now, is there a refreshment trolley on this train?
Slowly but surely
Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell takes a cautious step outside his bubble.
Slowly, things are returning to normal. For the first time in about 18 months I am heading out to visit a company (this time Regalead in Hawick) and I am sitting on a sparsely populated train. It’s a small step, but it feels like a leap. After a year and a half of Zoom meetings, this feels a little bit unnatural.
However, embrace the new normal we must, especially as we’ve got a lot of pressing matters to engage with. Yes, top of the list are supply chains woes, booming demand, and the expected tightening of regulations regarding thermal efficiency. However, also pressing is the issue of a skilled workforce.
We cover skills and education every month in the magazine, and for good reason: intelligent and efficient machinery, and easy-to-install products will only get you so far; we still need skilled and reliable operators. What’s the point of having an A+ window if it is installed incorrectly?
It was reassuring to hear on the news this morning that Ukas is to encourage more students to take up apprenticeships where, previously, they were looking at universities. I couldn’t find details at the time of writing, but engagement with the private sector was discussed as important to any scheme’s success.
Therefore, it is good to report that Quickslide, for example, is establishing an apprenticeship scheme, and interesting to read The Window Company (Contracts)’ David Thornton’s views on the subject matter.
I’m always keen to hear your thoughts.
Now, is there a refreshment trolley on this train?
Glass Times
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