To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February), the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is encouraging employers to make the most of apprenticeships to develop new and diverse talent within their operations.
This week, BMF is also promoting its dedicated website, which includes details of live apprenticeships and job vacancies, along 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.
This was established after the CLC’s annual review identified ‘Meeting the Skills Challenge’ as one of four priorities for 2022 and grants the CLC now 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.
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.
Commenting on the week, Kerry Wilson, learning and development manager at the BMF 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.”
