Q & A - Michael Burke

Q&A

with Michael Burke

In our summer issue we feature Michael Burk for our staff Q & A.

Michael is an experienced installations leader and is responsible for the development of the BiKBBI's Apprenticeship Programme.

Formally of MFI and Homebase, Michael is a committed supporter of education within the sector and a believer that apprenticeships are the key to the future of KBB installation.

You’ve fairly recently joined the BiKBBI, what are your impressions?

My first impressions are of a great institution led by some very passionate people who have a clear vision of what the industry should look like and how it could operate more effectively. They also have a great strategy in place to help shape the future of the BIKBBI to improve the industry even further.

What attracted you to your role with the BiKBBI?

Throughout my 35 years in this industry, I have become increasingly aware of the steady decline of opportunities for young people to enrol in apprenticeships. I believe that the BiKKBI is successfully addressing this situation whilst also opening doors for more mature students including ex-military personnel who still have a lot to offer. stakeholders to help smooth the journey for all potential apprentices from start to finish. Examples of this would be incentives to employers to employ apprentices, whilst giving more information for schools and colleges to promote the various trades.

Enough of business, tell us about yourself, married? Family?

I am a huge family man and have four children, five grandchildren and a long suffering partner of 32 years! We are a very close family and its great having grandchildren around and enjoying them growing up especially for those special moments again especially Christmas.

What one single thing would you do to change the industry for the better?

I would like to see more alignment between government agencies and departments and other interested

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Benidorm has always been a favourite, however I have recently become a big fan of cruises so many great places to see whilst plenty of new shops for the wife to enjoy!

Book or Kindle?

Book

Red or white wine?

Sorry I don’t like wine

What’s your favourite movie?

This always depends on my mood so in no order: Godfather Dawn till Dusk PS I love you

What or who makes you laugh?

My Grandchildren

What or who makes you cringe?

TV soaps

Name 3 people you’d most like to share a dinner party with?

Peter Kay Elton John and Richard Branson.

Name 3 people you’d least like to share a dinner party with?

Anybody who mentions Brexit!

What song would most likely get you up on the dance floor?

Any pop or Motown record depending on what I am drinking

Tell us a secret

During my teenage years my main hobby was Irish dancing!

Hopes for the future both personally and professionally?

All the family to be settled and secure in the future professionally as I am getting older, I would like to give more back to my community and as well as my charity work with the apprenticeships I am currently studying to become a local magistrate.