Manufacturing boss shares industry insights at glazing summit

The business manager of Shelforce, a manufacturer for windows and doors, recently attended the Glazing Summit 2025 as a guest speaker.

Howard Trotter (pictured) joined the 'Skills: Apprentices in Action' panel discussion, which addressed how the sector can attract the next generation of talent and encourage greater diversity.

Howard, who has led Shelforce’s trailblazing approach to inclusive employment, talked about people with learning disabilities and the role they can play in tackling the skills shortage.

A majority 75 per cent of Shelforce’s workforce are made up of individuals with a disability, and a recruitment process which begins with six months of paid work experience designed to give individuals with learning difficulties the time and confidence to flourish.

Shelforce has proudly supported the Glazing Summit since its inception in 2018 and Howard, who spoke at the first two events, said: “I’m delighted join the Glazing Summit once again and speak on what is a hugely important topic.

“Skills and apprenticeships have been a thread running through the Glazing Summit since the very beginning, and the fact that the spotlight is still on it shows that the skills shortage remains one of the most important challenges facing our industry.”