It’s a double whammy for education as the BiKBBI joins TKET in gaining significant support for apprenticeships in the industry.
More than 100 businesses have answered the call to action from BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters to join a Trailblazer group to develop and deliver the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship.
In total, 600 businesses registered their support for apprenticeships on The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation’s online page to register their interest.
In September, Walters had warned that “one of the most significant challenges” facing the KBB industry was a national shortage of professional installers.
The BiKBBI has been working with strategic partners The Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (Fiesta) and specialist End Point Assessment agency Achieve + Partners to set up a Trailblazer group to review the current Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship. Its aim to provide the industry with the opportunity to “ensure the apprenticeship is both continued and developed for future use”.
Walters commented: “Despite challenging times for the country, it’s clear that the industry has responded well to our call to action. As well as some of the national brands, including John Lewis & Partners, B&Q, Sharpes Bedrooms and Howdens, we’ve seen scores of independent businesses step up and show support for apprenticeships.”
The BiKBBI has worked with South Essex College and Prospects College of Advanced Technology over the past two years to develop and deliver the Level 2 apprenticeship and Walters has confirmed its intention to replicate the success of that trial with training providers nationwide.
Meanwhile, The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET) has gained approval from The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to develop the home, kitchen and living space designer apprenticeship.
TKET has worked closely with a Trailblazer committee of some of the industry’s leading employers, including Blum, BSH, Symphony and Roundhouse, to develop the standards for the course.