The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is shining a spotlight on careers in the building materials industry as part of National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February) and is encouraging employers to make the most of apprenticeships to develop new and diverse talent within their operations.
The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships in England is designed to showcase how apprenticeships have helped employers of all sizes and people of all ages and backgrounds. The BMF is promoting its dedicated website – www.buildingmaterialscareers.com – a showcase for the rewarding employment opportunities and career pathways in the sector, many of which are now focused around a sustainable and low carbon future.
The site includes details of live apprenticeships and job vacancies, together with information on the BMF’s pioneering Ambassador programme, where those already working in the industry help to promote the opportunities offered through school and college visits.
In addition, the BMF is encouraging merchants and manufacturers of building materials to engage with Talentview Construction, the latest development under the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Construction Talent Retention Scheme.
The CLC’s annual review identified ‘Meeting the Skills Challenge’ as one of four priorities for 2022 where there is the greatest need for collaborative action and the greatest opportunity to deliver positive change. With the launch of Talentview Construction, the CLC now has two platforms for those at different stages of their career – Talentview Construction is a launchpad for individuals looking for first jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships in the industry, whereas the Construction Talent Retention Scheme platform is for experienced candidates.
Employers can use both sites to add vacancies and seek candidates, with over a thousand employers and two thousand candidates already making use of the service. Discover more at www.talentview.org/construction and www.trs-system.co.uk/construction
For those employers who are concerned about the extra administration employing apprentices may involve, the BMF also provides the BMF Apprenticeship Plus service, which helps merchants to bring more young people into the industry by taking away the administrative burdens.
Kerry Wilson, BMF Learning & Development Manager said: “The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is ‘Build The Future’ which is very apt for our sector, and there has never been a better time for builders’ merchants and manufacturers of building materials to use the apprenticeship route to develop new talent.
“The recent appointment of LEAP, the apprenticeship delivery team to the Travis Perkins Group, as new full-service providers for BMF Apprenticeship Plus will significantly expand and enrich the service offer and support apprenticeship growth for the long-term benefit of the merchant sector, with each programme designed around the specialist needs of the sector to help all learners reach their full potential.”
For further information about BMF Apprenticeship Plus and apprenticeship opportunities please contact Kerry Wilson on 02476 854982 or email kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk
