Rehau has been actively involved in supporting skills development through its role with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford. NMITE offers a practical, project-based engineering degree designed to better reflect the needs of the modern industry.
“NMITE’s approach aligns closely with the reality of working life,” Martin Hitchin, CEO of Rehau UK, said. “Students are hands-on from day one, learning how to apply engineering principles rather than just studying them in theory. That practical mindset is exactly what the fenestration industry needs but explaining that to people outside the sector is where we fall short.”
Through its close links with NMITE, Rehau has seen how exposure to industry can shape career choices. Many students enter engineering degrees without a clear understanding of fenestration but once they are introduced to the sector, they can see the depth and variety of opportunities available, the company said.
Dan James, a recent NMITE graduate joined Rehau last year after completing his studies. As someone interested in hands-on engineering and problem solving, Dan was drawn to a role that allowed him to apply technical knowledge in a practical environment.
“I wanted to work somewhere where I could really understand how things work, not just at a surface level,” Dan said. “At Rehau, there’s a high level of technical detail, and a real emphasis on learning and development. It’s a great fit for people like me, who enjoy understanding systems inside out.”