Member Article

Chipping away at the skills shortage

A former joiner and now owner of a Doncaster based joinery firm, is chipping away at the construction skills shortage.

Kai Hannan, 45 of Greenfield Joinery is celebrating after the business and its team were awarded sub-contractor of the quarter, by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) for its commitment to providing local training and employment opportunities.

Working on the housing company’s developments at Prince’s Gardens and East Hill Gardens in Sheffield – being constructed by ENGIE - Greenfield Joinery has recruited five apprentices and seen its workforce grow from 60 to 75, providing 15 new jobs in the last year.

Kai said: “Having worked in the profession for many years, there can be no denying that it is getting harder to source qualified trades people. Working in partnership with SHC we have been able to expand our business whilst supporting and developing the communities in which we operate through training and job creation.

“As a local business it is vital that we play our part in addressing the national skills shortage by investing in the next generation of joiners / trades people.”

SHC is committed to supporting organisations, communities and individuals within the city. To date working with its partnering organisations it has delivered 500 local jobs, 50 apprenticeships and over 200 work placements.

John Clephan, Project Director for SHC added: “It is inspiring to see companies like Greenfield joinery investing in local training and employment. Each quarter we look to recognise the companies that are showing exceptional commitment in this area and Greenfield Joinery are a very worthy recipient”

SHC is Sheffield City Council’s joint venture development company, established with private sector construction partner Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing Group. Its goal is to improve the quality and choice of housing across the city, while creating jobs, encouraging investment and supporting the communities in which it works.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .