27/06/2019

TRADE ASSOCIATION PR

A national trade body is signposting school leavers in the Midlands to a career with a bright future in the building materials industry.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has launched a new website to showcase the wide range of roles and opportunities the sector has to offer.

Although often under the radar when considering career options, the unique environment in the building materials industry – in both builders’ merchants and materials suppliers – has led to the creation of rewarding employment opportunities and career pathways.

Now the BMF has pulled together a wealth of information to showcase the professional and trade-based opportunities at http://www.buildingmaterialscareers.com/

The website includes information on the qualifications and career routes available to new recruits, including apprenticeships, diplomas and foundation degrees, in a diverse range of roles including HR, finance, driving, engineering, design, warehouse and storage, as well as sales and marketing.

Details of apprenticeships and job vacancies are also included, together with information on the BMF’s pioneering ambassador programme, where people from the ranks of the Federation’s membership help to promote the opportunities offered by the industry to students and job-seekers.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “Many people don’t associate the building materials industry with a clear and exciting career path, but there’s a wealth of opportunities available.

“People with determination and ambition will find that their efforts are well-rewarded.

“Many companies in our membership are run by people who started out in the industry as an apprentice or in a junior role.

“They’ve benefitted from development and training to reach their potential and are now in senior positions themselves.

“Now they are looking to recruit the next generation to join the industry.”

The BMF has a unique approach to support young people employed by its members, with exclusive events, initiatives and activities that reflect the importance and value the industry places in encouraging and supporting talent.

These include a conference for younger members, fact-finding visits to international destinations and – as well as the structured qualifications route – a series of one and two-day courses that help broaden participants’ knowledge.

Mr Newcomb added: “We represent and protect the interests of builders’ merchants and suppliers to the building materials industry in the UK and Ireland.

“With 684 merchant and supplier companies who together have combined sales of £31.4bn and employ over 128,000 people in the building materials industry, it represents a considerable element of the UK economy.

“Our members benefit from being in a sector with robust prospects, while the scope and scale of the industry means there’s plenty of options for people to develop, learn and excel, and join an exciting community that offers excellent opportunities.”

hardwarer store worker with craftsman buyer