The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has appointed LEAP, the Apprenticeship delivery team to the Travis Perkins Group, as new full-service providers of the BMF Apprenticeships Plus service with effect from 1 January 2022.
LEAP stands for Learn as you Earn Apprenticeship Programmes and they have a unique expertise working exclusively in the construction supply sector, with each programme “designed around the specialist needs of the sector to help all learners reach their full potential”.
Programmes are delivered by the award-winning training team and every apprentice is supported, from day one, by an Apprentice Coach to build their skills, knowledge, and behaviours to help them develop their career. Furthermore, LEAP will provide a “seamless end-to-end recruitment and training service” that will “significantly enhance the BMF Apprenticeship Plus offer”.
There are already over 1,000 apprentices enrolled onto a LEAP programme from both within the Travis Perkins Group and from other businesses in the sector including City Plumbing Supplies, Plumbing Trade Supplies and Wickes. With the current intake being 40% female and 60% male, these apprenticeships are proving a “fantastic opportunity to nurture a more diverse workforce within the industry”.
LEAP will be delivering 12 Apprenticeship programmes for the BMF from Level 2 to Level 5 including Trade Supplier, Hire Controller, Fitted Furniture Design Technician (Kitchens and Bathrooms), Sales and Management. The quality of training is evident with 85% of learners achieving a Merit or Distinction. As well as their apprenticeship programmes, LEAP will be working with BMF to develop a suite of early career programmes to help education leavers and career changers to join the sector.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are delighted to be working with LEAP from next year. The BMF Apprenticeship Plus service promotes diversity, encouraging merchants to bring more young people into the industry by taking away the administrative burdens. With a proven merchant track record, and a full UK reach, LEAP will significantly expand and enrich our service offer to all merchant members, helping us to promote and support apprenticeship growth for the long-term benefit of our sector.”
Andy Rayner from the LEAP team added: “Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 LEAP has developed a unique capability in delivering Apprenticeship and Early Careers programmes in the construction supply sector. These programmes are used by both colleagues joining the sector for the first time and those already in the sector looking to develop their careers.
“We are delighted that we can now offer these programmes to employees of the BMF’s member organisations helping to develop the next generation for the construction supply sector.”
To champion and manage the improved Apprenticeship Plus offer, the BMF has appointed Kerry Wilson as Learning and Development Manager. Kerry joins the BMF from Travis Perkins, where she was a Lead Apprenticeship Coach, creating and facilitating learner management and delivery as well as mentoring and coaching Apprentices. Prior to this, Kerry spent 15 years at Boots Opticians as Learning Hub Manager.
The BMF has further strengthened its team with Daniel Hodder joining as Policy and Public Affairs Advisor. Previously a Policy Advisor at the Almshouse Association, Daniel will work closely CEO John Newcomb and longstanding Policy and Public Affairs Officer Brett Amphlett to help strengthen the BMF’s relationships and influence with government.
John Newcomb said: “These appointments will strengthen our resources in support of two key themes identified as part of our latest strategic review – developing the role we play in attracting and retaining talent in the industry and helping to build awareness and influence with government.”
