G24-Award Fabricator of the Year, Warwick North West, has successfully implemented a unique junior management structure in their attempts to future-proof the business and address the effects that the fenestration industry’s skills shortage could have on them.
The Liverpool-based window and door manufacturer has created this additional layer within its organisational structure to develop young talent and reduce pressure on senior leadership.
Chief Executive Greg Johnson said, “We didn’t want to wait for a crisis to address the skills gap. By investing early in our next generation of leaders, we’ve created a strong, dynamic middle layer in the business that’s already delivering real results.”
The initiative comes as industry research shows an increasingly ageing demographic among installers and tradespeople, raising concerns about the sector’s future workforce.
The junior managers (who are all under the age of 35) at Warwick North West are paired closely with a senior team member who provides mentoring and guidance, allowing experienced staff to pass on their knowledge while helping new managers grow in confidence.
“This approach has two major benefits,” Greg explains. “First, it gives ambitious young staff a clear pathway to progress within our business. They can see and understand the exact role that they could move into. Second, it ensures we retain and can pass on crucial industry knowledge as our more experienced staff approach retirement age.”
Warwick North West have always been a vocal advocate of addressing the skills shortage by providing unique routes into the industry, such as apprenticeships. They have recently strengthened partnerships with Hugh Baird College and City of Liverpool College to identify and secure promising talent.
“I believe the Liverpool city region has an excellent talent pool. The key is knowing how to access it and showcasing that fenestration and construction have a lot to offer as a career option.’’ Johnson added. ‘’In my time at Warwick, we’ve increased our female workforce by 200% and we’ve provided opportunities for young people, ex-offenders, and the disadvantaged. Many of these routes have provided some of our best staff, and they wouldn’t have considered our industry had we not worked hard to secure them.”
Since implementing the junior management structure, Warwick has seen improved retention rates and a more dynamic approach to problem-solving across the business.
The company’s efforts align with investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in adult learning, which is helping to train talent that meets the specific needs of local employers.
“We’re showing that the fenestration industry can offer rewarding, progressive careers for young people. Our junior managers are helping us modernise what has traditionally been quite an archaic sector, bringing fresh perspectives and energy.”
For more information on Warwick North West, visit www.warwicknorthwest.co.uk or call 0151 933 3030.
