The BMA welcomes the recent initiative by The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), launched this week, to act on skills shortages.
Installers are being offered an easy and affordable access to apprentices with a ground-breaking employer package – the KBB Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship programme, which aims to recruit 500 young people annually, to tackle immediate worker shortages and longer-term skills gap challenge.
The Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship Standard is the first of its kind, providing a relevant training specifically for this sector.
It is a fit-for-purpose qualification that teaches the foundation knowledge required for a fulfilling career in fitting kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
BMA Chief Executive, Tom Reynolds, said: “This apprenticeship support package, backed by a nationwide network of colleges, has the potential to make a big impact.
“This will streamline the process of becoming an apprentices in the KBB installation industry, and should make this a more attractive career choice for young people.
“We need concerted efforts like this, and similar efforts for plumbers being spearheaded by CIPHE, to address the issues across our industry, attracting new and diverse talent.”
Damian Walters, Chief Executive of BiKBBI, said: “This is a real game changer and it’s going to make a real difference for hundreds of installation businesses.
“In the last couple of years we’ve had over 700 of our members get in touch to express an interest in taking on an apprentice, but until now many have found it difficult to deal with the cost and bureaucracy of doing so.
“That’s why we’ve worked so hard to put this package of support together. It means that for the first time, installers of all sizes can afford to take on an apprentice and grow their businesses, without the complication sometimes associated with apprenticeships.”
For more details on the Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship click here.