YOUR INDUSTRY IS INVISIBLE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN – TIME TO TAKE OFF THEIR BLINDFOLDS.
SAW DOCTOR PROVIDES PRESCRIPTION FOR WOOD EDUCATION
Gervais Sawyer is committed to spreading the word about wood to future generations and all those willing to listen!
Aka ‘the Saw Doctor’, Gervais is an expert (not really, but I do have a very good address book) on anything to do with wood and has spent the past 35 years visiting schools to talk about and showcase some of the many potential associated with wood
Gervais explained: “I have been going to school careers fairs for three and a half decades to try and open their eyes to the world of wood. It might be Britain's sixth largest economic activity, (according to Government stats), but it is completely invisible to teachers and therefore to the students.
“I have all sorts of eye-catching exhibits and activities to catch their interest although I will never know if anybody follows it up!”
Since starting out in the industry in 1964, Gervais has collected some qualifications, the most valuable of which are experience and not a few mistakes.
It is tragic that since Margaret Thatcher there is almost nowhere in Britain where you can study wood. We filled the gap often by bringing in people from Europe where there are many places for getting wood science and technology training. Then Brexit put a stop to that!
As we pursue a more carbon neutral future, the wise use of wood will increase with accompanying opportunities for new entrants to that job market.
So how do SMEs reach these children? Sending a leaflet to the careers staff is a starter. Attend a careers fair. The best way to do that is to contact a local Education Business Partnership. These vary in standard and activity. Personally I love working with the Kent Education Business Partnership. They do a great job in preparing students for a careers fair - teach them eye contact, a firm handshake, introduce themselves etc. The Berkshire Education Business Partnership also calls for a few hours of volunteering for such things as Interview Preparation, Guess my Job, CV Writing etc.
But one that the fencing industry MUST get involved with are the Countryside Days at the Yorkshire Agricultural Showground, Harrogate. Here's the deal - you have 30 minutes to engage with 12 children 8-11 years old (and their teachers) in an activity. Let me tell you, at that age they are up to have a go at ANYTHING. In two days they have some 6000 children come through. Great fun for everybody I can assure you. And it will only cost you your time.
“My website www.workwithwood.org.uk profiles some of the things that young people could do.” he concluded.
If anyone can see the wood for the trees, it’s Gervais and long may the ‘Saw Doctor’ continue to share the good news about what can be produced by our invaluable natural resource.
