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Cabinet officials

Building Materials Careers Programme Aims to Attract 1 Million New Recruits to the Sector by 2025

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Building Materials Careers programme, led by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), aims to attract a million new recruits to the sector by 2025. Launched earlier this year, the initiative, centred around the message of 'Make A Material Difference', is the culmination of over two years of cross-industry collaboration. The programme targets school leavers, trainees, Armed Forces veterans, and career changers to attract the diversity of skills needed for the sector's future success in areas including sustainability, innovation, and productivity. BMF members have shared their experiences and career journeys on the dedicated website, showcasing the opportunities available in the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Building Materials Careers programme aims to attract 1 million new recruits to the sector by 2025.
  • The initiative targets school leavers, trainees, Armed Forces veterans, and career changers to attract the diversity of skills needed for the sector's future success.
  • The programme is focused on sustainability, innovation, and productivity, with a specific target of delivering 1.5 million homes.
  • BMF members have shared their experiences and career journeys on the dedicated website, showcasing the opportunities available in the sector.
  • The online portal includes details of vacancies in the sector and features career stories from industry professionals.
  • The programme complements the BMF's Apprenticeship Pledge, which has exceeded its target of securing 15,000 apprenticeship places within the sector by 2030.
  • Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP has endorsed the campaign, highlighting the importance of addressing the skills and workforce challenge in the construction sector.
  • John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, has also endorsed the campaign, emphasizing the importance of promoting and supporting opportunities in the sector.

Statistics:

  • The building materials sector consists of over 1,000 companies and is valued at £51 billion.
  • The sector needs increased amounts of building materials, including bricks, mortar, plasterboard, and fixings, to meet the government's pledge of 1.5 million homes.
  • The BMF Apprenticeship Pledge has exceeded its target of securing 15,000 apprenticeship places within the sector by 2030.
  • The programme aims to attract 1 million new recruits to the sector by 2025.

Sources:

  • BMF (Builders Merchants Federation)
  • Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry
  • John Newcomb, CEO of BMF
  • John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd

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