A Skills Gap: The Importance of Staff Training and Development
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Many industries within the UK are facing a skills shortage. The manufacturing sector in particular has seen the ongoing challenge of a lack of skilled workers and an ageing workforce. As the industry grows and technology evolves, the demand for skilled workers has increased, and in turn, widened the gap between technical roles and qualified persons.
What's more, many experienced workers are starting to retire, taking with them decades of valuable industry knowledge, skills, and expertise. The number of entrants into the industry is not significant enough to balance this loss, therefore widening the skills gap even further.
To combat this, investment in staff training and development is vital. Training ensures that companies enhance productivity, maintain operational excellence and remain competitive in an incredibly dynamic market.
At Astley, we pride ourselves on investing in the training and development of new talent. From signage bootcamps to internal workshops and apprenticeship schemes, we aim to weave valuable learning into every career journey, whether that is in the office or on the shopfloor.
Make it Happen
We are always learning. Industries constantly evolve, and new trends and practices emerge. The signage industry is no different - the dynamic nature of the sector means there is always room to adapt and learn, whether you are a signage newbie or signage veteran.
That's why we have thoroughly enjoyed having #teamastley attend Sam Armstrong’s Make it Happen signage training in Leicester, expanding and refining our knowledge on all things signage!
From in-depth product knowledge and selling techniques to hands-on letter making, Sam’s workshops cover all bases. What’s most special about Sam’s workshops, however, is how various signage companies are brought into a room as total strangers and then end the day with wishes of good luck and goodbye hugs.
This just goes to show the power of personalised experiences and involvement when in a learning setting. With a maximum of 10 people in one of Sam’s workshops, this allows for active participation and an open dialogue that often results in feedback and solutions that are beneficial for the whole room.
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Apprenticeships
Personalised experiences improve levels of engagement, knowledge retention, and allow those to apply what they’ve learnt in a practical context. Another great example of this? Apprenticeships.
By focusing on active participation, mentorship, integrated learning, personalised training, and direct feedback, apprenticeship schemes create a hands-on and tailored learning setting.
At Astley, we pride ourselves on providing apprenticeship schemes and developing the next generation of signage professionals. We have apprentices spread across our Marketing and Finance departments, and as we have had great success over the past few years with our young talent, we have recently taken on three new apprentices on the shopfloor in our Metalshop and Assembly departments.
Not only do apprenticeships invite the development and growth of young careers, but they also aim to tackle the issue of our ageing workforce and bridge the gap between two generations. By facilitating the transfer of knowledge, ensuring workforce continuity, and honing the skills of a digitally advanced generation, apprenticeships help maintain the skills and expertise necessary for the industry to thrive.
The Signage Industry
Despite continuous technological advancements within the manufacturing industry, many young people still hold outdated perceptions of manufacturing as a low-tech, heavy labour sector.
The signage industry doesn't embody this perception. Signage is characterised by its creativity, vibrancy, and innovation. It offers tailored teaching, diverse career opportunities, and a community of experts who are passionate about their craft.
As a unique sector, this emphasises the importance of training and honing brilliant craftsmanship. Companies that prioritize training are not only better equipped to meet current skill shortages but also positioned to lead and innovate in an ever-evolving market. Investing in training is, therefore, investing in the future of the company and its workforce.
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