Offering information and advice on apprenticeships and training, productivity, health & safety and technical advice at the show, each member of the team has been chosen for their wealth of knowledge and experience in the furniture design and manufacturing industry. Offering a wide range of skills and specialisms, the team will be on hand to answer questions, take part in one-to-one sessions and group workshops throughout the four-day event.
So, who are the Education Zone experts?
Jon Gorf
Jon Gorf is an experienced professional with over 26 years of specialised knowledge, working in a technical and senior management role within the construction joinery and woodworking industry. For the past two years Jon has been operating as an Independent Consultant working with a number of joinery businesses and is contracted to work with the British Woodworking Federation, providing technical joinery advice and Health & Safety support.
He also has been involved with the development of the BWF Health & Safety Guide for Joinery Companies, the BWF Guidance for Weather Testing of Joinery and the BWF Installation Advice for External Windows & Doors. Jon is currently the technical lead for the BWF Heritage & Conservation group, Health & Safety group & the Interiors group.
Jon will be advising on technical and productivity issues at the show.
Mark Stevens
Mark has worked in the furniture and wood sectors since leaving school – chiefly with companies that manufacture furniture and bespoke doors. During this time, he has also worked in production planning, training and Health & Safety. He is keen to help companies with H&S compliancy issues, but he also shares best practice, all in a practical, common sense approach. He works closely with trade associations and sits on the Wood Safety Group, which includes the HSE.
Mark will be giving Health & Safety information and advice at the show.
Martin James
Martin has spent many years supporting the furniture and wood industry and is passionate about getting training into the heart of the sector. He recognises that skills have been lost over the years and is working hard to try and reverse that trend with suitable training programmes, apprenticeships and funding opportunities.
Martin will be giving apprenticeships and training information and advice at the show
Shane Stenning
Shane has been a trainer in the furniture and wood Industry for many years, specialising in Apprenticeships, Commercial pogrammes, 16-18 year-old learners and, recently, solid surfaces. He always enjoys a challenge, whether that’s with a learner, an employer or complex items they are making. He enjoys delivering something different every day, especially as programmes are tailored to the learner and employer.
Shane will be giving apprenticeships and training information and advice at the show.
Tony Batchelor
Tony Batchelor is the Training Manager for the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). Tony spent the early years of his career working in the public transport sector. In 2005, Tony joined the CITB Standards and qualifications team. During his time with CITB, Tony was contracted to the British Council to deliver training on vocational and educational projects in Asia, as well as providing advice and support to explore the establishment of Oversees Sector Skills Bodies. In his current role as BWF Training Manager, Tony is responsible for delivering on the BWF’s three core training objectives: increasing recruitment into the sector; developing and maintain high quality qualifications and delivery partners; and fostering a culture of continuous learning in the woodworking industry.
Tony will be giving apprenticeships and training information and advice at the show.
To pre-book a one-to-one appointment or for more information on The Education Zone, please visit: www.wexhibition.co.uk/one-to-one-sessions. Elements will be taking place from the 30th September-3rd October 2018 at the NEC, Birmingham and will be co-located with the UK’s only woodworking machinery and materials show, the W Exhibition. To register for your FREE ticket simply visit the shows website and join over 8000 industry professionals: www.wexhibition.co.uk.
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