If we want new blood in the KBB industry, we must go out and find it – and apprenticeships are the answer, says Simon Acres, managing director of Simon Acres Group.
It’s no secret that all areas of the KBB industry are facing a real challenge in recruiting younger people. Without serious action, it’s highly likely that this skills gap will continue to widen.
As a group, we’re increasingly involved in apprenticeships, and InstallerSHOW presents an excellent opportunity for us – and the wider KBB industry – to engage with the installation side of the sector with this very goal in mind.
As a company, we are passionate about the future of the industry, and it’s essential that we all play our part in inspiring the next generation of KBB professionals. For example, we’re members of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) and have hosted a series of apprenticeship and recruitment events with other relevant organisations – something we intend to continue doing.
One of the biggest challenges, however, is a deceptively simple question: how do we actually recruit young people into the industry?
There are many barriers, and with so many parties involved, there isn’t a single solution. That said, things are certainly starting to move in the right direction, with greater positive coverage in the trade press.
We’re seeing more companies take on apprentices, including us. But more needs to be done within SMEs – not just the national players.
Recently, I qualified as an Independent End Point Assessor with Achieve & Partners, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the process and to give something back to the industry.
I’m very optimistic about the new government’s ‘Skills England’ initiative. I’ve been working with the Department for Education to review how we can simplify the apprenticeship application process, and with the AAN to help boost the number of apprenticeship hires within the KBB sector.
In the past four or five years, the industry has weathered significant disruption – Brexit, government changes, and the pandemic. After lockdown, we saw a huge surge in demand for all KBB products and services, followed by a slight downturn. But, looking at the recruitment work we do as a barometer, there are strong signs things are returning to normal.
DIY is on the rise, and installer influence is growing, increasingly shaping buying decisions. I believe retailers will need to evolve into more of a one-stop shop model to offer greater value to a wider range of customers. That’s where a focus on younger people and apprenticeships can really make a difference.
This is a highly competitive market. Everyone needs training and upskilling – whether that’s in sales techniques, social media, or modern marketing. There’s a lot to do, and we’re always happy to support anyone who asks.