EDUCATION

EDUCATION A PRIORITY FOR 2017

Following on from its foundation work in 2016, The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation will continue to focus on education over the next 12 months, according to Operations Manager Claire Walters (pictured).

October saw the first ever assembly of some of the country’s largest retailers of KBB product, including B&Q, Bathstore, John Lewis, Homebase, Wickes, Wren, Omega and Symphony. The Installation Education Taskforce will meet again in February, as it combines efforts to improve education opportunities within the sector.

Since its last meeting in late October, BiKBBI have engaged a number of key stakeholders in an effort to promote existing schemes, in addition to creating new learning opportunities for both industry newcomers and existing time served professionals.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters recently attended an Industry Education meeting in Milton Keynes, attended by a number

“We are happy, and we believe best placed, to lead the installation element of the forthcoming work on apprenticeships. There has been some fantastic work already carried out by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and the National Training Group (now incorporated within the KBSA), however there is a need to convert the existing Level 2 Fitted Interiors apprenticeship, with the

new government Trailblazer replacement.” Claire Walters, BiKBBI Operations Manager

of key individuals and organisations, including representatives from FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association), KBSA (Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists Association), Bucks University, and The Furniture Makers Company.

The meeting, facilitated by Sales Director David Sanders at Blum UK, discussed a joined-up approach on education within the sector, to include the current design degree, being delivered by Bucks University, to the development of the current Level 2 apprenticeship in Fitted Furniture (kitchens).

It was unanimously agreed that the industry would have a far greater chance of success if it combined its force to address the educational needs of the entire sector, to include manufacture, sales, design and installation.

BiKBBI Operations Manager Claire Walters said: “We are happy, and we believe best placed, to lead the installation element of the forthcoming work on apprenticeships. There has been some fantastic work already carried out by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and the National Training Group (now incorporated within the KBSA), however there is a need to convert the existing Level 2 Fitted Interiors apprenticeship, with the new government Trailblazer replacement.”

Claire continued, “One of our biggest frustrations has been a lack of cohesion within this fragmented industry. It is our belief that a joined-up effort is critical if success is to be had, but we’re delighted that a combined force seems to be moving in the right direction.”

BiKBBI have been clear that it’s focus on education will include three key areas:

• Apprenticeships for industry newcomers • CPD (Continual Professional Development) of time served professionals • Retraining for professionals operating elsewhere in other industries