New board member, Phil O’Leary will deliver his free Timber 101 Lunchtime Talks alongside advanced timber engineering and other technical training webinars via Woodknowledge Wales
Woodknowledge Wales is thrilled to announce the upcoming Timber 101 Lunchtime Talks, an exciting new series of webinars launching in February 2025. This initiative will build on the success of the Timber 101 workshops delivered at WoodBUILD 2024 and comes at a critical time for the timber industry in Wales.
Following the closure of BM TRADA’s timber services, which left a noticeable gap in accessible timber training and expertise, Woodknowledge Wales has stepped up to ensure that essential knowledge and skills are not only preserved but also expanded. Partnering with former BM TRADA timber specialists Phil O’Leary and Andy Pitman, now operating as Filros Consultants, the Timber 101 series promises to deliver high-quality, accessible learning opportunities for those working across the timber and construction sectors. Phil is also a member of the Woodknowledge Wales board.
Building on a solid foundation
The Timber 101 Lunchtime Talks are designed to provide practical and engaging insights into timber use, grading, and specification, setting a solid foundation for those new to the industry while offering valuable refreshers for experienced professionals. The programme will begin with a first series of seven free webinars that explore the fundamentals of timber knowledge. These sessions will be interspersed by a second series of five more technical webinars, currently under development.
The webinars will be crafted and delivered by some of the most respected voices in the timber industry:
- Phil O’Leary and Andy Pitman, Filros Timber Consultancy
- Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, Edinburgh Napier University
- Dr Morwenna Spear, BioComposites Centre
- Keerthi Ranasinghe, a leading timber engineer
- Additional contributions from other timber specialists who bring unique insights and practical expertise to each session.
This initial series will act as an essential first step for understanding timber as a material and its applications in modern construction. The follow-up technical series—title to be confirmed—will dive deeper into advanced topics for those ready to expand their skills further.
Why now?
The closure of BM TRADA’s timber services earlier this year marked the end of an era. For many in the sector, this decision created uncertainty and highlighted the urgent need for reliable, high-quality timber training. Recognising this gap, Woodknowledge Wales is committed to providing consistent, up-to-date knowledge transfer opportunities for professionals.
As demonstrated at the recent Timber 101 workshop held during WoodBUILD 2024, there is a growing appetite for accessible and flexible learning. The Timber 101 Lunchtime Talks have been carefully designed to meet this need, offering concise, lunchtime-friendly sessions that professionals can easily integrate into their working days.
What to expect in 2025
The first Timber 101 webinar is set to launch in early February 2025, with further dates and topics to be confirmed. Phil O’Leary and Andy Pitman are currently finalising the content, ensuring each session delivers practical, relevant knowledge to support those designing, specifying, and building with timber.
But that’s not all. Alongside the Timber 101 series, the Woodknowledge Wales team is also developing an exciting programme of webinars focusing on the built environment and circular economy. These sessions will provide further learning opportunities in 2025, helping to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to embrace sustainability and innovation in construction.
Stay tuned
There’s much more to come, and we’re excited to share it with you in the New Year. Further details about the Timber 101 Lunchtime Talks, the upcoming technical series, and the built environment webinar programme will be announced soon. Readers are encouraged to keep an eye on the Woodknowledge Wales website and subscribe to our newsletter to ensure they don’t miss out.
As we step into 2025, Woodknowledge Wales remains committed to supporting the timber industry in Wales and beyond. Through initiatives like the Timber 101 series, we aim to empower professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to create a sustainable, timber-rich future.
Watch this space for more details – exciting opportunities are just around the corner!
