Apprentice scheme update

STAR BUY!

STAR BUY

BiKBBI sponsor www.myappliances.co.uk has unveiled its latest ‘Star Buy’ for the winter issue of The Installer Magazine - and what a deal it is - offering BiKBBI members a saving of up to nearly £570!

There are actually two models from which to choose, the ART10219 60cm IQ Lift Downdraft extractor usually retails at £848 and can be purchased for just £299.99, a saving of some £548.01!

An even bigger saving can be found when purchasing its larger brother, the ART10220 90cm IQ Lift Downdraft as it is on offer for £329.99 reduced from £899.00 a saving of a whopping £569.01!

Both models are motorised and come with a 5 year parts and 2 year labour warranty. Designed to be used with an electric hob only, both models, apart from size, one being 60mm and the other 90mm, share the same specifications: • Black Glass & Stainless Steel • 4 Fan Speeds • 430 m3 hr Extraction • Motorised Lift Mechanism • Fan Motor Pack Included • LED Touch Display • Designed For Island Units • Free Recirculation Kit (Phone To Order)

An additional 3 Years Labour can be added at the point of purchase which extends cover to 5 years parts + labour* for £43.88.

To take advantage of this 'Star Buy’ please visit: 60cm Downdraft Cooker Hood 90cm Downdraft Cooker Hood

*ask the company for terms and conditions

APPRENTICE UPDATE

Ian Rist, Head of Building Services/ Built Environment

In line with our ongoing support of the recently lunched BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme, we speak to Ian Rist, Head of Building Services/Built Environment at the PROCAT facility that plays host to the BiKBBI apprentices, to discover amongst other things, how he feels the scheme is going in its early days.

Can you please explain how involved were you in the creation of the BiKBBI apprenticeship scheme?

My involvement was roughly a quarter of the way through the planning and development stages, I was heavily involved in selecting the qualification units, mapping across the qualification , liaising with employers to make sure that the units are what they wanted. Other areas where staffing the apprenticeship and construction the workshop from the ground up. Liaising with sponsors to obtaining current goods and materials from leading kitchen and bathroom manufactures. 

Has the scheme had any teething troubles or has it been plain sailing so far?

The main teething problem was staffing due to the lack of installers, which is the main driver for launching this apprenticeship scheme in the first place.

What would you change about the scheme in hindsight?

I would have liked a longer period to promote this standard. This would have increased student numbers. Now going forward I would like to push this out at apprenticeship week and further out to schools.

How keen are the students?

They are very keen, even though it’s a new course. They do enjoy the practical aspect of this qualification most. And have they surprised you at all?

Yes they have surprised me, in a good way too; they are very dedicated and are even willing to become case studies to further promote this apprenticeship initiative.

What do you enjoy most about the role you play?

I enjoyed being a part of something that was just a dream actually become a reality. I also am gaining great satisfaction from seeing the scheme go from strength to strength

What are your hopes for the future of the BiKBBI apprenticeship initiative?

I would like to see larger numbers of students passing through our college’s doors. Having the facility as a recognised flagship and to also oversee the development of the course further and delivered nationwide.

For more information please telephone: 01268 662 444 (option 2 for apprenticeships) or email enquiries@procat.ac.uk