The Building Materials Careers campaign, led by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), has been unveiled officially at Ibstock I-Studio in London.

The programme, which aims to attract recruits with the diversity of skills needed for the future success of the Building Materials sector, is the culmination of more than two years of cross-industry collaboration that harnesses the power of the BMF’s 1,000 member companies.

Almost 300 companies have already engaged with the programme, with many individuals sharing their own experiences and career journeys on the dedicated bmcareers.com website, the central hub of the campaign that provides a window on the opportunities available. 

The BMF is encouraging others to join them as the campaign builds momentum throughout 2025 to reach key target audiences with the diversity of skills needed for the sector's future success. 

The 2025 campaign will connect with all target audiences, from school leavers and influencers or younger people taking their first steps into work to career changers and those with skills to bring from another sector.

It will make use of both mainstream and social media channels, direct engagement via open days, school and college visits, apprentice and careers exhibitions, and will use every BMF channel, including its Young Merchant Group, Ambassadors and newly appointed Social Media Influencers, to amplify campaign messages.   

A National Launch Action Pack, available to BMF members, is another element designed to build a consistent identity for Building Materials and increase its visibility to those outside the sector as a strong employment sector brand that is embracing equity, diversity and inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, Richard Hill, Chair of the BMF, said: “Too few people in the UK are aware of all that the sector has to offer and that, in turn, impacts on recruitment opportunities.

“To tackle this, the campaign centres around two main objectives to launch Building Materials as a clear sector in its own right as part of the broader construction industry, and to position Building Materials as a desirable place to work, to help BMF members tackle the skills gap.

“By establishing Building Materials as a distinct sector, it becomes distinguishable from the wider construction industry, defining the role of builders’ merchants and suppliers who make, sell and distribute all the products needed for the UK’s building and construction projects, offering a wealth of vibrant and dynamic career paths across product development, finance, logistics, marketing and distribution.”

As an employer, Simon Taylor, Sales Director for Builders Merchants at building products and solutions manufacturer Ibstock Plc, recognises the campaign's value. He said: “We are excited to see how BMCareers can further support the industry in inspiring individuals to join this dynamic sector – which, from personal experience, I can say offers a wealth of opportunities and diverse roles.  

“At Ibstock, we have long been committed to this vision and feel we have started to make strides in evolving perceptions. However, we recognise that collaboration across the industry is also needed, so very much welcome the BMCareers initiative.  

"We believe that by investing in people and providing clear pathways for growth, we can attract more and diverse talent and continue to innovate in the building materials sector.”

John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, concluded: “This is a careers campaign that unites the Building Materials sector, bringing our members together to showcase the opportunities for the future, to champion change and secure the diverse range of skills our sector needs to ensure prosperity and growth.

“Through people across the industry telling their stories about the sector and experiences, BMCareers offers information about job roles and responsibilities. The website contains details of the roles available, plus details of the apprenticeships and training programmes that further develop skills to advance careers, and sets out the sector as a magnet for talent with opportunities to make a material difference and help shape the world we live in.”

Jordan Payne was named BMF Apprentice of the Year after achieving a Distinction at Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor. He is one of three social media influencers helping to amplify the BMCareers campaign.

Jordan, who has just been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager with Lawsons Builders Merchants, said: “Lawsons supported me throughout my apprenticeship, which has given me the confidence to step up.

“I’m excited to be part of the BMCareers campaign, to promote the value of apprenticeships and encourage people to explore opportunities in the Building Materials sector.”