S03E14 | Addressing the Skills Gap in the Metal Industry

The Metal Guys Talk Business

Podcast Show Notes: The Metal Guys Talk Business - Special Episode
Hosts: Peter Comerford, Michael Bolton, and special feature host Nadine Bloxsome (CEO, ALFED)
Episode Title: Addressing the Skills Gap in the Metal Industry
Release Date: 1st October 2024

Episode Summary:
In this special episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business, hosts Peter Comerford and Michael Bolton are joined by Nadine Bloxsome (CEO of ALFED) to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the skills shortage in the metal sector. Focusing on aluminium, the episode covers apprenticeships, career progression, and sustainability as key drivers in attracting the next generation of talent. With insights from industry leaders, the discussion highlights how companies are working to bridge the skills gap and foster a dynamic, future-ready workforce.

Key Discussion Points:

Apprenticeships & The Skills Gap:

• The launch of the Aluminium Federation's first-ever Apprentice Awards, aiming to address talent shortages and promote skill development across the sector.
• Mark Allen (President, ALFED) discusses the Federation’s role in spearheading initiatives that help cultivate new talent and build sustainable workforce solutions.

Challenges in Talent Retention:

• Amy Bird (CEO, Countrywide Metals and Founder of Women in Recycling) offers her perspective on the challenges of retaining younger workers and women in the metal industry.
• The importance of creating visible career paths, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to encourage long-term retention.

The Role of Leadership in Developing Talent:

• Michael Horan (CEO, Sherwood Stainless and Aluminium) highlights how effective leadership and mentorship can shape the future workforce, emphasising the importance of giving apprentices hands-on, diverse experiences.
• Leadership’s critical role in fostering a supportive and motivating environment to help young professionals succeed.

Sustainability as a Key Attraction:

• Rachel Wiffin (Senior Engineer, Quality Systems Manager) explores the role sustainability plays in shaping the future of the metal industry, particularly the growing focus on aluminium recycling.
• How businesses can use sustainability initiatives to attract environmentally-conscious talent and position themselves as leaders in green manufacturing.

Industry-Specific Insights:

• Mark Allen and Amy Bird share their experiences on how the metal sector is adapting to meet the needs of the current and future workforce.
• Amy Bird discusses the role of women in recycling and how initiatives like "Women in Recycling" are helping diversify the industry.
• Michael Horan’s approach to developing internal talent through robust apprenticeship programs and leadership opportunities.

Learn More:
For more insights on how the aluminium and metal industries are addressing the skills shortage, connect with Peter Comerford, Michael Bolton, and Nadine Bloxsome on LinkedIn.

SEASON THREE of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:

• SteelBuy: A digital platform revolutionising how businesses trade metal products online.
• TW Metals: A leading stockholder and distributor of high-performance metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
• Comton Group: A recruitment agency specializing in the metal, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.

The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group.
Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast and explore recruitment solutions tailored to your business.

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