Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
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 onboard new recruits through apprenticeships as it marks this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.
The Government provides up to 95% funding for employers to hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, allowing them to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
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.”
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.
The apprentices are distributed across NMBS member companies, including well-known names such as Gardner and Scardifield Ltd, Yard Direct, and Silverton Builders Merchants Ltd.
These apprenticeships are providing a mix of fresh talent entering the construction industry and experienced professionals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
One outstanding example of the success of this recruitment campaign is 18-year-old Ethan Edwards from Colchester. Ethan’s journey into the construction industry began after completing his A-levels in 2022. Initially trying his hand as a chef, he quickly realised the lack of opportunities for progression in that field. Undeterred, he continued his search and found the apprenticeship route appealing for its practical learning and career advancement possibilities.
“I feel that I am building a strong foundation for my future career, and that I have a lot of options and opportunities ahead of me,” Edwards said.
The 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.
With a membership of 1,250 and 5,000 branches across the UK, NMBS stands as the leading builder’s merchant buying group for independent builders, plumbing and heating merchants, hardware, tools, and timber merchants.
