Last year the Builders Merchants Federation formed a partnership with LEAP Apprenticeships and Early Careers who are “changing the way apprenticeships are viewed and used by merchants.”
This partnership has expanded the apprenticeship and careers development opportunities offered by the BMF, with programmes leading to formal qualifications ranging from an entry Level 2 award to the highest Level 7 — equivalent to a Masters’ Degree.
Andy Rayner who heads up LEAP explained how and why the apprenticeship landscape has changed: “Before 2017 apprenticeships were mainly viewed as a source of vocational training for school-leavers entering manual trades. But today’s apprenticeships reflect the rapid pace of change within the workplace, with wide-ranging programmes designed to both equip new entrants with the base level skills required at the start of their career, and to develop and upskill existing colleagues.
“There’s roughly a 50/50 split between new recruits and existing colleagues enrolled on current programmes, as they are designed to support people throughout their working lives.”
BMF LEAP programmes are specifically tailored to the needs of the building materials industry today and delivered by expert coaches with in-depth personal knowledge and experience. The programmes are also largely delivered online, creating minimum disruption to the apprentices’ working day, with no need to take time out for classroom learning at a remote location.
“There’s roughly a 50/50 split between new recruits and existing colleagues enrolled on current programmes, as they are designed to support people throughout their working lives.”
Alice Stoney, Group HR Manager of Harlow Timber Merchants — one of more than 30 BMF member companies that are already utilising the new-style LEAP apprenticeships — can see the benefits for apprentices and employers alike.
Alice said: “Apprenticeships afford our employees opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and experiences whilst contributing to the skill set within the Harlow Timber Group. BMF LEAP programmes allow us to support training of our employees in the construction/building materials sector, rather than learning in a generic retail environment.
“We encourage all colleagues across the group to embark on a learning journey to further their career and gain recognised qualifications. The feedback we have received from our apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the working relationships they have built, not only with people within the group, but with LEAP and the Builders Merchant Federation.”
She added: “We would recommend anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the leap.”
For those worried about funding, the key thing to know is that the Apprenticeship Levy is underused across the construction sector, and there is ample financial support available. Larger Levy paying companies can automatically access apprenticeship programmes at no extra cost, but they are almost wholly funded for smaller companies too, with the government providing 95% of the costs for non-Levy payers.
While the process is not complicated, BMF and LEAP can handle the paperwork involved in applying for this funding, so there is no administrative burden at all.
Throughout 2023 the BMF will also be working with NMBS during its 60th anniversary year recruitment drive to attract 60 new apprentices into the industry. NMBS is looking to enrol 15 apprentices every quarter into BMF LEAP training programmes at a variety of levels, covering trade supply, business administration and sales.
To find out more about BMF LEAP apprenticeships, please contact Kerry Wilson on 07387 239194 or email Kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk
A version of this article appeared in the March 2023 edition of PBM. Click the link to read the full issue in digital format via the PBM website.
