For those unable to fully fund the cost of training courses, grants are available from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM), a City Livery Company and charitable organisation, to support skills development in the building materials industry.
The beginning of a new year is a time of reflection, with many of us setting New Year’s resolutions as we look to make a fresh start and introduce changes that will improve our lives. These resolutions often involve wanting to learn a new skill, get promoted, or in some way taking steps to boost our careers and fulfil our work ambitions.
Of course, these steps can be easier to imagine than to take, and, for many, lack of funds can be a significant barrier to learning valuable new skills. Perhaps you have always wanted to gain a degree to support your on-the-job skills, or would like to move into a sales, management or leadership role, but require additional training to do so.
The Builders’ Merchants Federation offers specialist training and support that can help you take those next steps and develop your career, both in builders’ merchanting and if you are working for a building materials supplier.
The financial support available from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM), a City Livery Company and charitable organisation, and worth up to £2,000 per person, is open to anyone who wishes to develop new skills, as well as individuals looking to enter the building materials sector for the first time, such as school leavers, college or university graduates, students, and apprentices.
The Livery Company also recognises the importance of fostering an environment in which employees can learn, develop and fulfil their career ambitions, which is why the grants are also available to builders’ merchants and building material suppliers who wish to support their staff with additional training; subject to meeting the relevant criteria.
WCoBM grants can be used for a range of needs to ensure the financial support benefits individuals or organisations where it matters the most. For example, it can help cover the cost, fully or partially, of relevant learning materials and practical tools, support dedicated qualifications, learning modules, training platforms or apprenticeship programmes.
Lucia Di Stazio, Chair of WCoBM’s Education & Training Committee, said: “The Livery Company has made this funding available to provide dedicated grants for people in our sector, and we would encourage anyone who is thinking of developing their skills, and perhaps needs some funding support, to get in touch and find out if we can help.
“Not only is it important that we, as an industry, work together to tackle the skills shortage, but we also need to do everything we can to promote the building materials sector as an attractive industry with long-term career prospects.”
All grants are subject to meeting the relevant criteria. To apply for a grant, visit wcobm.co.uk/grants-and-funding and download a copy of the Application form for full details and eligibility.
