The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) says a national shortage of installers is “one of the most significant challenges faced by the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector ever”.

 

It plans on tackling the issue in a ‘three-pronged-attack’ involving apprenticeships, professional development and re-training.

 

Apprenticeships

 

BiKBBI says it will form a national network of training providers to develop, promote and deliver the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship from the 2021 academic year.

 

In 2017, BiKBBI worked with the UK’s first college of Advanced Technology (PROCAT, Essex), to deliver the first Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship, with the second group of students starting in 2019.

 

BiKBBI has also presented the career opportunities within KBB to more than 2,500 school children so far.

 

This programme will now be rolled out nationally with a network of colleges and training providers set to become official BiKBBI Approved Training Providers.

 

It plans to deliver of the Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship nationally from the 2021/22 academic year.

 

Professional development

 

Earlier this year, the institute launched its Learning & Development platform, ‘BiKBBI Campus’ – an online training portal that works with suppliers and manufacturers to deliver technical training to members and the wider industry.

 

Damian Walters said: “It’s incredibly important that the existing workforce ensure that they keep updated with new product, processes and legislation and I’m pleased that Campus is a great vehicle for this learning.”

 

Retraining

 

BiKBBI signed The Armed Forces Covenant this year – a pledge to work with the Armed Forces Community by utilising some of the easily transferable skills that some former servicemen and women can bring to the industry.

 

Working with The Ministry of Defence as well as other organisations and charities, the objective is to plug some of the skills gaps.

 

Can you help?

 

The institute is calling on suppliers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers, to pledge their help to tackle the issue at www.supportchange.org.uk.

 

CEO Damian Walters said: “Without support there will be no solution. No one else is leading a robust and achievable plan focused on installation, but without support and funding, this will not happen.”

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