Does the UK fenestration industry have a workforce fit for the next 10 years? This session will explore whether the sector is set up for the challenges of the future. Panellists will explore the shifting balance between competence and experience in the post-Grenfell landscape, questioning whether traditional reliance on on-the-job learning is still sufficient in an era of stricter compliance and accountability. The discussion will also address a pressing challenge: is the sector doing enough to attract new talent, or are skills shortages set to deepen?

As labour constraints persist, the conversation will turn to the growing role of technology. Can automation, digital transformation, and emerging AI solutions realistically bridge the gap, or are they being overestimated as a cure-all? Alongside this, the panel will consider whether the industry is facing a leadership succession challenge, with experienced professionals approaching retirement and uncertainty over whether the next generation is ready to step up.