BSW Timber Launches Graduate Management Training Programme

BSW Timber has launched a graduate management training programme to support young people into management positions within the firm. The two year scheme has been designed to coach and prepare graduates for positions including Production Supervisors, Production Managers and even Mill Managers of the future.

Simon Brooks, who graduated from The University of Sheffield with a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 2009, and Jonathan Fry, who graduated from The National School of Forestry with an MSc in Forest Ecosystem Management in March 2012, are the first to benefit from the scheme.

The pair will be based at different BSW saw mills throughout the UK, including Carlisle, Dalbeattie, Boat of Garten and Fort William, learning about the day-to-day management of the mills and the importance of quality standards. They will attend leadership training courses alongside other supervisors and managers from the BSW Group, giving them the opportunity to meet with others and share their ideas for the business.

Simon Brooks said: “The BSW Timber Management Training Programme presents an excellent opportunity for me to implement the knowledge and skills I gained in formal education whilst continuing to learn the ropes of management. Combining work and training will no doubt be beneficial, as I seek to apply new skills and learn from those already in the management team.”

Barry Carruthers, Group Training Manager for BSW said: “It’s the knowledge and expertise of the people behind the business that make BSW Timber what it is today, and we’re committed to investing in promising business talent. We welcome Simon and Jonathan on board to further their careers within BSW, and look forward to continuing the scheme for graduates in the future”.

Across all its UK sites, BSW Timber now produces almost one third of the entire nation’s sawn softwood output following its multi-million pound investment in modern manufacturing sites and customer services across the UK.