KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Minister gives green light to KBB Apprenticeship development

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, has confirmed that the Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, The Rt.Hon.Robert Halfon MP (pictured), has granted government approval for the development of a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship for Fitted Interiors.

The new style Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard will cover the three key areas of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation, namely the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for those embarking on a career within the industry.

Progression from this Apprenticeship could lead to supervisory or management roles over time, providing clear and achievable career progression pathways for newcomers. The standard will be designed to deliver sufficient competence, underpinning knowledge and understanding in the identified job role in order to allow individuals to meet the requirements of the industry they will represent.

BiKBBI, CEO Damian Walters says of the move: "I can confirm that I will be meeting with our own Educational Taskforce next week, in preparation for a meeting with representatives from the Department for Education, various interested employers and organisations and the Construction Industry Training Board on 1st March.

"The objective of both meetings is to ensure that our area of the industry is fully represented in the development of this exciting new Apprenticeship."

A CITB spokesperson also commented by saying: "This is a real chance to develop an apprenticeship that fully meets the needs of the sector.

"It is important that employers become involved and take advantage of the transformation taking place with apprenticeships that include the introduction of the apprenticeship levy and direct funding to employers by Government to help pay training providers for their apprenticeship training and assessment.

BiKBBI confirmed that its own Education Taskforce is made up from representatives from several national retailers including its own Installation Standards Partners B&Q, Bathstore, John Lewis and Omega, as well as Homebase, Wickes and Wren. Additionally, the group has representation from The Furniture Makers Company, Trading Standards and a number of its micro SME installer members.

BiKBBI has committed to updating the industry on the progress of the Apprenticeship development and welcomes input from other retailer and installation businesses wishing to get involved. Interested parties should contact Nicole Mercer in the first instance:

T: 01375 659 524
E: [email protected]

17th February 2017