BiKBBI News
APPRENTICESHIP CENTRE OPEN FOR BUSINESS The Governments Apprenticeship Ambassador Stephen Metcalfe MP and BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters officially opened the UK’s first Institute Approved Training Centre at Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) on Friday 6th July 2018. Pictured at PROCAT, from left to right, Stephen Metcalfe MP (Apprenticeship Ambassador), Ros Parker (Principle at PROCAT), Damian Walters (CEO, BiKBBI) and Ian Rist (Head of Building & Construction at PROCAT) – The new training facility, located within the multimillion pound technical college in Basildon Essex is the first to have achieved BiKBBI approved status. PROCAT will deliver the centres first Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship from September, a twoyear day release, level 2 apprenticeship that has been specifically designed for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation industry. The apprenticeship will cover a number of technical competencies, in addition to business skills including customer service, digital marketing and health & safety. 10
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “It’s with great pleasure to be working with PROCAT on the delivery of this Apprenticeship. Credit must go to the many people involved in creating the Standard, including The Furniture Makers Company, the now dissolved National Training Group, Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) and indeed the many contributors to the initiative over recent years.” Damian went on to say: “The success of Apprenticeships is now in our collective hands. It has the potential to change the future landscape of our industry for the better, replenishing the workforce from the bottom up. Equally, it has the potential to fail if
we don’t get behind it. The government are clear – use it or lose it.” PROCAT are looking to connect with local employers, including South Essex based kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers, and are actively engaging hundreds of school leavers to fill vacant positions. Those interested in the apprenticeship are invited to contact BiKBBI’s Education Officer Stephanie Gray (01268 412 457) for more information. Damian concluded by saying: “It’s our time to shine, so let’s get behind this initiative and start the process of delivering much needed skills to our sector”.
