Shelforce’s business manager, Howard Trotter, has spoken to sixth form students at Highclare School in Erdington about the company’s journey and the industry.

Highclare students are said to have welcomed a number of inspirational speakers from all walks of life to deliver talks over ‘enrichment fortnight’.

Shelforce specialises in providing PVC-U and aluminium products to local authority building projects including Birmingham City Council, employs some of the city’s most vulnerable people with 75% of its workforce disabled.

The pupils learned about Shelforce’s rich history, which stretches all the way back to 1839, it’s inclusivity in the workplace, and how the company has turned its fortunes around in the last 10 years.

Howard said: “I was honoured to be asked to speak to sixth form students at Highclare School, particularly as we are a proud Erdington company.

“At Shelforce we have always encouraged young people and provided regular work experience placements for students from nearby schools and with a skills shortage challenge in our industry, it was a fantastic opportunity to tell them about what we do.”

A spokesperson for Highclare School said: “All pupils enjoyed what was an invaluable fortnight and have developed some hugely important skills to prepare them for life after Highclare.

“We’d like to thank Howard and Shelforce for taking the time out to get involved; it was great to hear about such an inspirational company that’s on our doorstep and learn more about what is a huge industry.”