Funding is available from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM), a City Livery Company and charitable organisation, to support training and skills development in the building materials industry.
The financial support, worth up to £2,000 per grant, is open to individuals looking to enter the building materials sector for the first time, and to those already working within it who wish to develop their skills and learning. Grants are also available for school leavers, college or university graduates, students and apprentices.
Builders’ merchants and building material suppliers can benefit too, subject to meeting the relevant criteria, with the Livery Company recognising the importance of encouraging an environment in which employees can learn, develop and fulfil their career ambitions.
WCoBM grants can be used for a range of needs to ensure the financial support benefits individuals or organisations where it matters the most. For example, covering the cost, fully or partially, of relevant learning materials and practical tools, through to supporting dedicated qualifications, learning modules, training platforms or apprenticeship programmes.
The Chair of WCoBM’s Education & Training Committee, Lucia Di Stazio, comments: “Training and Education is a core tenet of WCoBM and the Company is extremely pleased to be able to provide dedicated grants to support the development of individuals in our sector.
“At a time where construction is experiencing an extreme skills shortage, it’s vital we do all we can to encourage individuals to see the building materials sector and recognise it as an attractive opportunity to develop their learning and expertise and explore the vast career prospects that exist within.”
WCoBM Master Alan Hawkins added: “The building materials sector is an attractive proposition for school-leavers, apprentices and graduates and for those who have already embarked on their journey in the industry. The wealth of job opportunities and the chance to train, learn new skills, experience different roles and advance your career is reflective of our sector’s motivation, agility and passion to support professional development.”
Grant applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more details, including how you can apply, visit wcobm.co.uk/grants-and-funding
