Training a top focus for furniture components show

Visitors to the UK’s only furniture components show, Elements, this year will be able to access valuable business and career advice from leading trade associations and training providers.

Elements, which will run from September 30 to October 3 at the NEC, Birmingham, will host for the first time, a new education zone in Hall 6.

Experts from the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (Fiesta), British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and Didac Training College will be on hand to help visitors navigate their way around priority issues and important changes within the industry.

There will be updates on legislation, health-and-safety best practice, careers, education and apprenticeships within the furniture industry.

Jon Gibson, managing director at Didac, said: “The introduction of the education zone is the perfect opportunity for us to educate employers on the benefits of training and the funding available to students.

“We all know that finding the right person with the right skills is important, but where do you find them? We want to show the industry the many paths available to them and how a solution is often simpler than you think.”

Visitors will be able to take part in one-to-one drop-in sessions and daily workshops that are open to all.

BWF chief executive Iain McIlwee said: “Exhibitions really are a physical manifestation of a trade association, a melting pot for ideas and networking.

“For the BWF, the education zone is the ideal platform for us to promote the importance of health and safety and productivity in the workplace.

“The accident rate in this sector is high and we want to use the interactive area to help tackle this issue. We’ll also be on hand to help companies improve efficiencies. Every business is different and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when running a successful business, but our team will be there to advise, help and shape ideas to help the industry grow.”

Event director Lisa Campagnola said that the new education zone sends a “strong message” to the sector of the exhibition’s commitment to the future of the industry

“The education zone will give visitors an opportunity to invest in the industry’s future. We want to deliver a strong message at the show and offer our support to businesses and individuals – regardless of their age or background – that are looking to progress in the furniture sector.

“Thanks to the support of leading trade associations and training providers, we are in a great position to engage with the industry and help employers and trainees reach their full potential.”

For more information visit www.wexhibition.co.uk or follow and @Elements_Expo on Twitter.

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