Bringing new talent to Timber Engineering

Two years ago, at Offsite Expo, I had a chat with Simon Connor, EMEA Product Portfolio Manager at MiTek. He asked if ETS would like to be involved in their new internship programme. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Now, two successful years later, we are still working together to help address the skills shortage in our wonderful industry.

Here is an overview of the recent Trussed Rafter Association webinar we took part in.

Why develop an internship?

MiTek needed to find new talent, but how does a business go about that?

Dudley College of Technology offered an employer’s day which MiTek attended. It was hosted by helpful staff who put forward good ideas. As Simon explains, there has to be a business need behind an internship and as MiTek was expanding and needed resources this was an ideal opportunity to look into internships.

All heads of departments at MiTek thought it was great idea, however, they felt everyone was too busy to proceed. Simon took this opportunity to push the benefits of introducing interns to help the business. It would give MiTek new people, trained exactly how it needed them. It would also help develop internal staff allowing them to mentor and manage the interns. With everyone now engaged at all levels it was time to proceed.

The next step was to find MiTek's right interns. As the candidates were young, MiTek decided against a straightforward interview, as this would place them under a lot of pressure. Instead, an assessment day was organised, where the interns worked in groups to complete various tasks. This helped boost their confidence and reduce their stress levels.

Simon and his colleagues worked hard to create a structured and varied nine week programme. To give the interns a rounded view of the business, they spent time in the factory, worked with different departments, completed a site visit and visited customers too.

At the beginning of the process clear targets were set for the interns to achieve. They had to learn to use Pamir and design a floor by the end of the placement. Mentors were put in place along with one-to-one sessions to support the interns all the way through their placement.

By the end of the nine weeks, they had designed a floor, it was sent to the customer and the intern team presented their work to all of the MiTek team. Mission accomplished.

How Dudley College helped

Jullie Tibbetts is Employer Engagement Support Coordinator at Dudley College of Technology. It is her job to help businesses to design their placement. She also helps match the right students to the right businesses.

The college also prepares the students for the workplace, it will set up progress reviews, help set meaningful tasks and, most importantly, look after all the admin!

What did the interns think?

Rohan Patel, a past intern, thoroughly enjoyed his internship at MiTek. He felt that MiTek successfully built a friendly environment for the assessment day which boosted everyone’s confidence.  

He opted for the MiTek internship as everyone was friendly and there were going to be four interns so they could work together. They started off with lots of training on floor design, learning Pamir and discovering timber engineering.

They spent time in every department. They also visited customers to understand the relationship MiTek has with them. The interns also tried their hand at manufacturing, as well as material and posi plate testing.

Rohan enjoyed the mentorship as he was surrounded by good people. He learned presentation skills, took advice from his team of peers, developed his office skills and team skills. He is now at Liverpool University studying Architecture.

How did ETS get involved?

As I said at the start, I jumped at the chance to involve ETS in MiTek’s internship. What a great opportunity to present ETS and our industry to future talent. It was also a chance to engage with our team and have a fresh perspective on things.

As a female in timber engineering, I’m always keen to involve more women so I was pleased to see female interns.

Initially, we had a very jargon-heavy introduction to ETS, however we stripped everything right back and took the interns through our process from design to manufacturing. They spent time in the factory making posi joists. They really engaged in the practical side. They also sat with the designers to understand their roles.

Our ETS staff enjoyed it too especially the factory staff. The students had lots of questions and they were all chatting away.

I believe the internship has strengthened our relationship with MiTek and showed the students the relationship and the need for a strong supply chain.

We’ve had great feedback; it’s really rewarding for everyone involved and we’ve had someone contact us regarding work placements for t-levels!

If an internship is right for your business, why not contact your local college and see what help they can give you to get it off the ground.

Onwards and upwards!

To watch the webinar click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iST4L4fR7pw&feature=youtu.be