In the first quarter of 2018 Stortford Interiors and the Federation of Interior Specialists (FIS) began working together to design a unique initiative, to support Stortford’s ongoing vision for increased skills success, social values, future sustainability and new entrant growth.
Our Board of Directors approved the proposal and a new pipeline was designed to attract the next generation of talent to Stortford.
Project Futures – The New Flagship Initiative
Project Futures’ primary objective is to engage, educate, empower and enable every new entrant, ensuring their place in a company where investment in all employees is continuous, advocates real progression and provides rewarding career opportunities.
A bespoke apprenticeship route has been identified as the most sustainable vehicle for the development of new entrants to the business and over the next three years Stortford Interiors will recruit and train 30 apprentices in drylining and carpentry.
The objectives of Project Futures align perfectly with Stortford Interiors’ commitments of identifying and understanding its future operational skills and labour needs, coupled with upskilling and ensuring the continuous professional development of its existing workforce.
Project Futures is jointly managed by FIS Sector Skills Engagement Manager Amanda Scott and Stortford Interiors Operations Director Paul Leach, with a dedicated support team positioned at the head office and all Stortford Interiors sites.
Amanda Scott comments ‘For Stortford Interiors it’s all about the people. People are its most valuable asset and Project Futures strikes at the heart of Stortford Interiors’ core values. Stortford Interiors think collaboratively, forwardly and differently, it’s an inspiring and committed SME company response to the UK skills crisis’.
Paul Leach added, ‘We are proud of the people we employ, and this extends to the next generation of talent entering our company through Project Futures’.
Jim Nania stated ‘Stortford Interiors and FIS have worked hard to ensure that our flagship programme ‘Project Futures’ is the best it can be, by paying fairly and reflectively to reduce apprenticeship poverty, giving great benefits, structured learning, mentoring and development, all this helps provide a valuable and exciting first role in our core business’.