The National Bed Federation (NBF) has launched a recruitment video encouraging young people to explore the variety of career opportunities within the UK & Irish Bed industry, whilst also addressing the growing skills gap in manufacturing.

Recognising the vital role the younger generation plays in shaping the future of the bed industry, the video targets school leavers and university graduates. Featuring several Approved NBF Member manufacturers, the video highlights the diverse career paths and progression available, particularly the production roles that are generally not regarded as attractive career prospects.

Tristine Hargreaves, executive director of the NBF, said: “Developments in technologies and consumer shopping habits have opened up more career paths than ever before, and with this comes a significant skills shortage in bed manufacturing, combined with the struggles of an ageing workforce and retaining staff in the current economic climate.

“Our video is part of a concerted effort to highlight the various roles available across our richly diverse sector. From tape edgers to woodworkers and electrical engineers to sales, marketing and sustainability, we’re asking the next generation to really consider the exciting opportunities waiting for them in this growing industry.

“The bed sector is the perfect place for young people to learn valuable skills and for existing staff to take a new career path. The video proudly promotes an industry that makes products on home soil, supports local communities and helps the nation sleep better!”

The NBF encourages the bed trade to share the video across their online marketing channels and is working closely with the Furniture Makers’ Company to amplify these messages across its network.

The video and supporter’s pack for the bed trade to download is available via the careers page on the NBF website: www.bedfed.org.uk/careers/