The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is set to recruit at least 20 Ambassadors from the ranks of its members to support a national youth recruitment campaign, Builders Merchants Careers. They will help to promote the opportunities offered by the industry to students and young job-seekers throughout the country.
BMF Builders Merchants Careers is an ongoing campaign to encourage young people to recognise merchanting as an exciting career choice. BMF Ambassadors will play a key role in the campaign. Teachers and careers advisors consulted by the BMF specifically requested school visits and presentations by local industry ambassadors as one of the best ways to influence young people in their choice of career.
During March, the BMF is working in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on a similar month-long campaign to raise awareness of our industry with Jobcentre Plus staff. BMF Ambassadors, and other interested members, can help by visiting their local Jobcentre or by hosting on-site visits to help Jobcentre staff gain an insight into the sector and to understand the vast array of job roles and opportunities for progression merchanting offers.
The BMF Ambassadors selected will be enthusiastic advocates of the industry. They will support the campaign with visits to local schools, colleges and Jobcentres, presentations at local careers fairs, by giving interviews to local media and by promoting the campaign on social media.
John Newcomb, BMF MD, said: “This is a national campaign and we are looking for Ambassadors throughout the UK. Ideally we would like to begin the campaign with at least 20 Ambassadors, with two coming from each of the ten BMF regions.”
Ambassadors will receive a full briefing pack, presentation support and leaflets to hand out to students. John has already trialled the material, giving a presentation to 130, 14-19 year olds at a university technical college (UTC) in Aylesbury, and will share his experience with potential Ambassadors.
John added: “The Builders Merchants Careers campaign is the industry’s driving force to attract more young people into the sector and help builders’ merchants and suppliers to continue to invest in the next generation. The new Ambassadors have a key role to play to promote the range of opportunities the industry offers, from first job roles all the way to the board room, to meet young peoples’ aspirations at every level.”
For more information about supporting the campaign as a BMF Ambassador, please contact June Upton at june.upton@bmf.org.uk
For more background on the BMF’s Builders Merchants Careers campaign, take a look at www.merchant-recruitment.co.uk
