The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants offers grants to support training and education for individuals and companies within the builders’ materials industry.

Each grant, worth up to £2,000, is open to individuals looking to enter the building materials sector for the first time, and to those already working within it who wish to develop their skills and learning. Grants are also available for school leavers, college or university graduates, students and apprentices.

Builders’ merchants and building material suppliers can benefit too, subject to meeting the relevant criteria, with the Livery Company recognising the importance of encouraging an environment in which employees can learn, develop and fulfil their career ambitions. Companies who apply for the grant would need to demonstrate how the funding will be beneficial to the ongoing development of their teams.

What the funding can be used for

Once approved, the grant can be used to partially or fully support the following:

• The purchase of relevant materials that enable learning, eg, computer equipment, practical tools or other learning materials
• Dedicated qualifications, modules, training platforms or courses that are proven to contribute to further learning or development within the building materials sector
• Apprenticeship programmes
• Dedicated work experience that allows for relevant training and new learning within the industry to support role development
• Other requests are considered on case-by-case basis.

The funding is open to:

• School Leavers
• College or University graduates
• Students or Apprentices
• Employees working in the sector
• Builders’ merchants
• Building materials manufacturers and suppliers

How to apply

If you would like more information on the eligibility criteria, or to apply for a Grant, please download the relevant form below and return it to the Clerk at [email protected].

• Application Form for a Company
• Application Form for an Individual

Builders’ Merchants Federation Sector Awareness Campaign

The Builders’ Merchants Federation has launched a Sector Awareness campaign aiming to promote the  many, varied and fulfilling careers that are available within the building materials industry. 

At BMCareers.com you can find more information about the world of Building Materials, as well as information about the dynamic employers and companies that work in the sector, and the roles they are actively recruiting for, right now. From builders’ merchants, distributors, manufacturers and service providers, the Building Materials sector employs more than 200,000 people across the UK, and is always on the look out for new and diverse people to help the sector change, grow and improve. 

Visit www.bmcareers.com to find out more about the industry and you could find the next step in your career. And don’t forget, if you need funding to develop your skills and qualifications, the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants could help you with a grant of up to £2,000.