In an effort to attract new entrants to the industry, address the growing skills gap, and upskill the sector’s existing workforce, Rehau has partnered with Building Our Skills.

Following initial discussions in 2023, the two companies are said to have officially joined forces in June 2024 after Rehau supported a series of careers fairs and visited Building Our Skills’ Sheffield training centre.

More recently, Building Our Skills returned the favour with a visit to Rehau’s Blaenau Ffestiniog plant, where the two are reported to have discussed how to highlight the variety of roles available to new recruits beyond the factory floor.

Stephen Beresford, head of marketing at Rehau, said: “From our first meetings with Building Our Skills, it was clear that they shared our position on the growing industry skills gap, and the challenge of attracting the next generation of workers to fenestration.

“One of the major issues the industry faces is the lack of awareness surrounding the variety of careers available beyond fabrication, installation, and the factory floor. Increasing understanding of the sector among young people and dispelling wider misconceptions is a primary objective of our partnership, and is something that we hope will in turn attract new recruits to the industry.”

Now recognised as a ‘National Partner’, Rehau has access to a range of services, initiatives, and materials offered by Building Our Skills, including bespoke careers fairs, a workplace visits programme, and a place on the company’s steering committee.

Looking ahead, the two companies are now working on developing a bespoke qualification for recycling operatives at Rehau’s PVCR plant in Runcorn, to help upskill existing staff and increase the appeal of sustainable career paths.

Mark Handley, partnerships manager at Building Our Skills, said: “After a period of continued ad-hoc support, it is a pleasure to welcome Rehau on board as a national partner of Building Our Skills. We have had some excellent feedback from visitors and staff alike on our collaborations so far, and have many more exciting developments in store to help ensure the future of the sector is secure.”

For more information on careers at Rehau, CLICK HERE.

For more information on Building Our Skills, CLICK HERE.