The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) is calling on employers in the builder’s merchant sector to take advantage of government funding to re-skill staff and recruit more apprentices.
The government provides up to 95% funding for employers to hire someone new or upskill an existing employee.
Now, the NMBS is working with construction apprenticeships specialist LEAP to train scores of builder’s merchant apprentices each year to help address the skills gap in the construction sector, which it then distributes across its member companies.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that 225,000 workers will be needed by 2027 to meet industry demand.
The NMBS’ apprenticeships are tailored to the specific needs of the builder’s merchant industry and construction sector, and include courses ranging from Level 2 to 7 in such disciplines as credit control and collection, software development, warehouse operations, project management, sales, and HR support, among others.
Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS, said: “Our apprenticeship recruitment drive is making a significant contribution to addressing the skills shortage in the construction industry and represents a strategic investment in the future.
“By welcoming fresh talent and enhancing the skills of experienced staff, apprenticeships not only secure fulfilling careers for individuals but also deliver substantial benefits to employers. Through apprenticeships, employers save on recruitment costs and foster diversification across teams, leading to increased retention rates and heightened staff satisfaction.”
