The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) recently exhibited at the Livery Schools Link (LSL) Showcase in Guildhall to help raise the profile of our industry among young students. The WCoBM exhibited for the first time last year, and following a successful event, it committed to it again this year.
The Livery Company is actively engaged, through its charity work, with educational awards and supporting the training of individuals in and outside the industry.
The LSL Showcase is targeted at 14-17 year olds and is an ideal platform for students to explore and learn about potential trades or professions. Over 600 students from 25 schools across London attended with their teachers where they were able to talk to each of the 30 Livery Companies exhibiting on the day, as well as have some fun with some practical activities and competitions.
A prominent WCoBM stand looked after by Immediate Past Master Gill Moore, Past Master John Poore and Liveryman Andrew Pine attracted many students. The stand included informative leaflets, and giveaways such as rulers and stress bricks.
Liveryman Pine commented: “There are some great career opportunities in our sector and the LSL helps us to engage with students at a time when they are potentially considering their next steps in education or in a workplace. Students need more than classroom teaching to help them with their future career choices, and we were able to explain what builders’ merchants do and what our industry offers in builders’ merchanting or with a supplier of building materials. Overall it was an extremely successful event, and one we look forward to participating in again next year.”
Past Master Poore also had the great idea of asking students to note down what they thought a builders’ merchant did. It was reassuring that many were aware of the basic principle of a merchant business! To read some of the students’ comments, and for more information in general, visit www.wcobm.co.uk
