The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) joins IfATE’s influential advisory group for apprenticeships and skills training

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) joins IfATE’s influential advisory group for apprenticeships and skills training.

BWF has joined the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Directory of Professional and Employer-led Bodies (The ‘Employer Directory’) to help shape the future of apprenticeships and technical education.

Inclusion on the Employer Directory emphasises BWF’s position at the forefront of skills and its role in developing a future workforce for the woodworking and joinery industry.

The Employer Directory has a membership of over 100 professional and employer-led bodies. It provides industry focused guidance to regulators Ofqual and Office for Students on quality assurance of apprenticeship end-point assessment. Directory members are also increasingly being called upon by IfATE to advise on apprenticeships, T Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications and approval of wider level 2 and level 3 technical qualifications as well as occupational maps which guide employers and potential learners on different training opportunities.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of BWF said:

 ‘We are delighted to join the Employer Directory. It reflects our passionate commitment to making sure apprenticeships and technical qualifications deliver on the economy’s needs for generations to come. It really matters to us that trainees learn skills that are truly sought after and valued by employers. That’s best for everyone and can only be achieved if training across the board is guided by industry. We look forward to playing our part in making sure that happens’.

Before approving BWF’s application, IfATE considered our ability to represent employers, our capacity and capability to carry out any work and whether there were any conflicts of interest.

Nikki Christie, deputy director for the business services division at IfATE, added: “We are delighted to welcome BWF to the Employer Directory. The fantastic insights and guidance industry-recognised professional organisations provide us with are really important for making sure apprenticeships and technical qualifications stay high-quality, relevant and credible. BWF will be a wonderful addition to this influential group of industry experts”