Merseyside window and door manufacturer Warwick North West joins forces with two organisations to provide skills training for the unemployed young people at risk of offending. Tony McDonough reports
Warwick North West is offering skills training to young people who are unemployed and those at risk of offending and those leaving prison.
Based in Bootle Warwick North West is a leading uPVC and aluminium window and door manufacturer.
It supplies hundreds of customers across the retail, commercial and new build markets with windows, sliding patio doors, bi-fold doors and composite entrance doors.
In July LBN revealed the business, headed by managing director Greg Johnson, had seen revenues rise from around £5m a year just before the pandemic to £10m in 2021 and just shy of £12m in 2022. This is despite the soaring cost of energy and raw materials.
Similar to many manufacturers, Warwick faces a constant challenge in ensuring it has enough people with the right skills. Now it has formed partnerships with two workforce development organisations – Nobody Left Behind and Inside Connections.
Nobody Left Behind uses sport as a means to foster positive mindsets among young unemployed people. It offers industry-specific skills training in a programme that aims to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to secure employment.
Inside Connections a community interest company committed to supporting prison leavers and young people at risk of offending.
Greg Johnson explained: “The comprehensive training programmes developed in collaboration with Nobody Left Behind and Inside Connections are tailored specifically to the needs of the manufacturing industry.
“By recognising the crucial role that skilled workers play in the sector’s growth, we aim to absorb a significant number of qualified people into our workforce.
“By providing employment opportunities and allowing these young people to apply their newly acquired skills, we’re not only investing in our own growth, but also fostering a sense of purpose and pride among our employees.”
Warwick’s efforts to support its local community go beyond job creation – the company has also established links with local charities. They include Ykids based in Bootle that works to improve the lives of young children and their families.
This collaboration between Warwick and Ykids aims to inspire and empower young people in the community, providing them with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.
“Having served Liverpool with our products and services for the past 25 years, we have a deep-rooted connection with the city,” added Greg.
“We’ve therefore developed an appreciation which has driven us to give back to the community that has been so instrumental in our success.
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By partnering with Ykids, we aim to inspire young people and invest in their future through bespoke training opportunities, peer mentoring, and self-esteem workshops.”
Warwick has also established a corporate partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Charity, which supports the UK’s busiest children’s hospital. Greg has recently been appointed as a business ambassador and has donated more than £18,000 to the charity.