Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
NMBS has joined the Builders Merchants Federation in making the pledge to achieve 15,000 apprentices across the BMF membership by 2030.
The aim of the pledge is to close the skills gap in the building materials industry and to drive the utilisation of Levy funds across the building materials sector.
Chris Hayward, NMBS CEO, said: “As we celebrate NMBS’ 60th anniversary, we are proud to announce our commitment to recruiting 60 apprentices into the industry during this milestone year. By collaborating with the BMF and LEAP, we aim to support our members, both large and small, in harnessing the numerous benefits of apprenticeships.
“Employing apprentices is a productive and effective way to cultivate a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. It allows businesses to adapt training according to their specific needs and expand while upskilling their workforce. Together, we can bridge the skills gap and drive progress in the building materials sector.”
NMBS is raising awareness among its members of the benefits of recruiting apprentices, which include: 95% of fees completely covered by Government funding in England and it is a cost-effective way to develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
“We are committed to professionalising our industry and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to react their full potential. Many people still think of apprentices as young people entering the jobs market – but that is far from the case. Of course, apprenticeships are one of the best ways to develop new recruits, but they are also an excellent way to motivate, upskill and retain existing staff as they move through different stages of their careers,” said John Newcomb, BMF CEO.
“By making this pledge with our members, we will be sharing resources and learning, and holding each other to account to support our growing industry.”
