Liverpool city region window and door manufacturer Warwick North West makes commitment to training amid industry skills crisis. Tony McDonough reports

A skills crisis in the UK manufacturing sector is costing the UK an extra £39bn a year but one Liverpool city region firm is looking to get ahead of the curve.

Bootle-based Warwick North West makes windows and doors, with high levels of thermal efficiency, for private developers and affordable housing providers across the North West. It employs around 120 people.

According to Make UK, the representative body of the manufacturing sector, 36% of manufacturing vacancies are proving hard to fill, compared to an average of 24% across all industries.

Warwick managing director Greg Johnson says that in terms of shortages “numbers are scary”. He said the industry does need more support from Government but insists Warwick is being proactive in looking to future-proof its own business.

In March Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said it would invest £68m in adult training over the next 12 months funding colleges, skills bootcamps and free courses.

“That commitment from the Combined Authority is significant although we will wait and see which sectors that investment will focus on,” said Greg.

“In the meantime we are taking steps to make sure we have the skills Warwick needs now and in the coming years.  The skills shortage in the fenestration (windows) and construction and industry isn’t news to anyone.

“The challenge is big, but I believe there are practical steps we can take. At Warwick North West, we’re focused on finding the solutions.

“Our partnership with Inside Connections helps ex-offenders build new careers. These partnerships bring great employees into our business while making a difference in our community.”

Over the past year Warwick has taken on five apprentices. Four of them are now working full-time in the business. Starting from April the firm is expanding its apprenticeship programme through a new partnership with Hugh Baird College.

Greg explained: “The college is just down the road from us in Bootle, and it’s one of only three further education colleges in the North West to be rated outstanding by Ofsted. It’s a no-brainer to utilise this hub of capable young people that is right on our doorstep.

“These types of local connections excite me. It helps us build stronger links with our community, create more opportunities for young people and fill our ranks with talented employees.”

Warwick has invested £1m into its Bootle factory, acquiring new machinery that improves productivity and increases capacity. This has led to the creation of eight new jobs, including four apprenticeships, all people from the local area.

“When businesses grow and are successful, they can create real opportunities for local people,” said Greg. “While the Government’s initiatives are welcome, it’s up to businesses like ours to make them work on the ground.”