The Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom National Training Group (KBB NTG) has folded, blaming a lack of industry support.
In July 2016, the KBB NTG dissolved its member council but, in October, it was relaunched, in cooperation with the KBSA.
Renée Mascari, creative director of Mascari Designs and chief executive of the KBB NTG, blamed this dissolution of the member council on “dwindling financial support” from the industry and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which Mascari claimed was “unwilling” to continue to share its funding.
Two years ago, the KBB NTG, KBSA acting chief executive Uwe Hanneck and Mascari began to enter negotiations with the CITB to continue its work to provide training and education for the KBB industry.
Mascari said: “It is, however, with regret that I have to inform you that our discussions and negotiations with the CITB over the past two years have not resulted in the CITB giving the NTG the proper financial support it would need in order to operate successfully and compliant.
“We will continue to fight for our industry sector and hopefully one day the CITB, in conjunction with the Government, will be able to address this deeply concerning injustice.”
Since July 2016, Mascari has been actively supporting the Foundation Degree Course at Bucks New University, which is supported by the Kitchen Education Trust (TKET).
She was also involved in the formation of the Furniture Interiors Education Skills and Training Alliance (Fiesta).