Subjects covered will include closing the sale, time and priority management, customer care, handling difficult people, sales negotiating skills and business management. The full list is inserted into this issue of kbbreview.

The NTG was formed in 2004 by a number of major players in the kitchen, bathroom and construction industry. Courses in kitchen installation, design and sales have already been run.

The NTG says this larger portfolio of courses will address individual needs and enable the learner to identify the relevant training they need, which will add real value to their business.

Nottingham Local Education Authority in partnership with South Nottingham College and the NTG are working together with a new concept - an Interiors Diploma to include 'Kitchen Design' as part of the 14-19 year Diploma Scheme.  This is the first time kitchen design has been formally introduced to young students, thus opening a much needed career path for into the KBB industry.   Pending the success of this pilot, the scheme will be rolled out to the rest of the UK.
The NTG is also working closely with CITB Construction Skills in developing a two-year apprenticeship scheme for 'Kitchen Installation' which will be delivered in three UK centres in January 2007. Alongside this will be a portfolio of course titles which attract CITB grants for those companies that are in scope - but more on this later.

he NTG's sights are now set on addressing the needs within the bathroom and bedroom sectors. Working closely with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association the ultimate aim is to draw from the relevant industry expertise to facilitate courses to the whole of the KBB sector.