There’s a wealth of career options in the builders’ merchant industry for people already working in the sector or coming into it, and it’s important we work hard to attract and keep great talent, so we continue to thrive.
So how do we entice the best talent into builders’ merchanting?
While our industry has never really had the recognition it deserves, considering its importance to the UK economy, the pandemic has been a defining moment for construction. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma paid tribute to the industry and supply chain in an open letter. Many of us would have preferred his acknowledgement to have come sooner, but this ‘shout-out’ for construction, followed by Boris’ “Build, Build, Build” strategy, paints an extremely positive image of the industry. It should encourage more people to consider a career in merchanting.
For those looking to change jobs or careers, stockists and suppliers of building materials offer lots of exciting job opportunities from frontline counter staff to marketing, technical, sales and finance. There are jobs at every rung of the ladder, with the chance to train, learn new skills and advance your career.
The industry is an attractive proposition for school-leavers, apprentices and graduates who are entering the job market for the first time. The Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year olds, is a useful resource for companies wishing to follow this path.
We also need to retain the talent we have and encourage their further development. Government-backed programs such as the Talent Retention Scheme, launched in July, can help secure jobs and ensure we don’t lose great people with specialist knowledge and experience.
WCoBM’s bursary of up to £2,000 a person was introduced for people who need financial support to help their learning and development. Fulfilling one of WCoBM’s key objectives of supporting training and education through its charitable fund, the bursary is open to apprentices, employees working with a stockist or manufacturer of building materials’, individuals looking to switch careers, and students coming out of full-time education.
The message is clear. If you want to train and progress in this industry, the support you need is there. Together we can create a better future for construction by attracting, developing, and retaining the people who will help us achieve it.
Do you know someone who could benefit from WCoBM’s bursary? Find out more here: www.wcobm.co.uk/about/build-your-career.
