MD of The Apprenticeship Partner Hannah Hockley says the future of kitchen and bathroom retail depends on next generation

The KBB industry is built on skill, precision and craftsmanship yet many businesses are struggling to find the next generation of fitters, designers and manufacturers.

With an ageing workforce and fewer young people entering skilled trades, the sector faces a growing skills gap that could impact productivity, project timelines and business growth.

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Apprenticeships provide a practical and cost-effective way to train new talent while ensuring the industry continues to thrive.

By investing in apprenticeships, KBB businesses can secure a skilled workforce for the future, improve staff retention and strengthen their reputation for quality.

According to the Construction Skills Network, the UK needs over 225,000 additional construction workers by 2027 to meet demand.

A significant proportion of these roles will be in specialist areas such as kitchen and bathroom fitting.

Without action, businesses will face increasing delays, rising labour costs and potential declines in quality.

Home-grown talent

For many business owners, the challenge is not just finding skilled workers but keeping them.

A well-structured apprenticeship programme can help businesses bring in enthusiastic new talent, train them to high standards and build a loyal workforce for the future.

Unlike traditional hiring where businesses must rely on the existing labour market, apprenticeships allow employers to develop talent from within.

Apprentices learn through a mix of hands-on experience and structured training meaning they gain the skills that businesses actually need.

For example, the Fitted Interiors Installer apprenticeship has been designed specifically for the KBB industry.

It covers essential skills such as measuring, cutting, installing and finishing ensuring apprentices can hit the ground running when working on real projects.

Businesses that invest in apprenticeships can:

• Train staff to their own company standards
• Ensure high-quality workmanship
• Reduce long-term recruitment costs
• Strengthen their reputation for skilled craftsmanship

Business benefits of apprentices

Many business owners worry that taking on an apprentice will be costly or time-consuming. In reality, the benefits often outweigh the investment:

Cost-effective training – Government funding is available to cover much of the training costs. Businesses with a payroll under £3m only pay a maximum of 5% of training costs with the Government covering the rest. For businesses with under 50 employees taking on an apprentice under the age of 22, the full cost of the training is covered by the Government.

Increased staff retention – Apprentices who feel invested in are more likely to stay with a company, reducing turnover and the costs of hiring new staff.

Fresh ideas and innovation – Young apprentices bring new perspectives, energy and a willingness to learn helping businesses stay adaptable in a changing industry.

Common misconceptions

Despite these benefits, some businesses hesitate to take on apprentices often due to misunderstandings about how the system works. “Apprenticeships are only for school leavers.” Apprenticeships are available at different levels and can be used to upskill existing employees not just new starters. “I don’t have time to train someone.”
While apprentices do need guidance, many training providers offer structured support reducing the burden on business owners.

What Needs to Change?

To secure the future of the KBB sector, more businesses need to take an active role in training the next generation. This requires:

More businesses embracing apprenticeships as a long-term workforce strategy.

Stronger collaboration between employers and training providers to ensure training meets industry needs.

Trade associations promoting apprenticeships and supporting their members in accessing training opportunities.

Industry bodies such as the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) are already doing great work in this area helping to raise awareness and improve training standards.

But there is still more to be done to make apprenticeships a mainstream choice for KBB businesses.

If you’re a KBB business owner and haven’t explored apprenticeships, now is the time!

Whether you need help understanding funding, finding the right training provider or getting started, there are plenty of resources to guide you.

Investing in apprentices today will secure the future of the industry tomorrow.