The Builders Merchants Federation has announced plans to further professionalise training within the building materials supply sector with the launch of its own training brand, the BMF Learning Academy.
The BMF Learning Academy will help to build a talent pool for the building materials supply industry and enable individuals to excel by providing accredited qualifications and continuing professional development specifically for merchants and suppliers.
All existing third-party-accredited BMF training courses will now sit within the BMF Learning Academy, with a programme to introduce more each year. The ambition is to provide member companies with “cradle to grave” training for all staff.
BMF membership services director, Richard Ellithorne said: “The BMF’s vision is to enable members to build excellence in building materials supply. Within this, the BMF Learning Academy is designed to enable individuals in our industry to develop their knowledge and excel in their field. Our Learning Academy accredited courses will cover a wide range of skills and knowledge. They will encompass online modules for those who want a quick introduction or refresher in a particular area, tutor-led or distance learning for those wanting more specific, in-depth, knowledge, and formalised study over an extended period for those who want an academic qualification.”
The newly updated BMF Diploma in Merchanting Management and the BMF Foundation Degree in Merchant Management awarded by the University of Hertfordshire will be flagship BMF Learning Academy Courses.
Other current courses within the BMF Learning Academy include:
CPD accredited:
Managing for Success, How a House is Built, Measuring Building Quantities
ISM accredited:
Essentials in Sales Management
ISOH accredited:
Warehouse and Yard Safety
Occupational Award (OA) accredited:
Building Blocks in Timber as a Building Material, Central Heating, An Introduction to Residential Construction
Along with the BMF Diploma in Merchanting Management, a number of other Learning Academy courses are due to come on stream this year as accredited courses. They include Finance for non-finance managers and the BMF branch manager Forum (both CPD accredited), and Building Blocks in Insulation, Above Ground Drainage and Customer Service (all OA accredited).
The BMF has also revised its Training Roadmap to highlight BMF Learning Academy courses through the career pathway. Delegates completing three, five or ten Learning Academy courses will also receive certificates acknowledging their achievement and skills development.
For more information please contact Paige Godsell, training co-ordinator at paige.godsell@bmf.org.uk or call her on 02476 854989
