The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) is set to launch a dedicated Careers Support Desk to attract school leavers into the KBB industry.

Launching on August 7, to coincide with Results Day for GCSE and A-Level students, it forms part of the institute’s ongoing strategy to close the skills gap.

The BiKBBI’s Careers Support Desk will be delivered in conjunction with The Apprenticeship Partner, and will enable young people to connect with advisors.

Sponsored Video

Quarter sawn Tulipwood

They will be able to provide them with insight into the Level 2 Fitted Furniture Installer apprenticeship, training providers, and assist with finding employment.

The Support Desk will be promoted via BiKBBI’s digital and social media platforms, working with a number of partners to help reach young people across the UK.

A research paper published by the House of Commons in February this year reported the number of people starting apprenticeships increased by 9% in 2021/2022, while UCAS figures show a decline in people applying to universities in 2023.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented: “This change in behaviour is good news for those industries reliant on vocational courses and suffering from skills shortages, but it does mean that it is more important than ever that the KBB sector is visible and able to compete for future talent.

“Bringing young people into our sector is critical. On top of a well-publicised skills gap crisis, we have an ageing workforce which will only lead to further challenges and labour shortages in the future.

“The Fitted Furniture Installer course is a fairly new pathway, and most school and college leavers will not be aware of the course and therefore might be thinking their options are limited to more traditional qualifications such as plumbing or carpentry.

“The BiKBBI Careers Support Desk is just one of a number of initiatives we are delivering to increase the profile of the qualification, attract fresh talent and encourage employers to embrace apprenticeships within our sector.’

BiKBBI also has plans for a follow up campaign whereby its education advisor, The Apprenticeship Partner, will seek potential employers that match the needs of budding apprentices.

Managing Director of The Apprenticeship Partner and chair of the BiKBBI Education Steering Committee Hannah Hockley said: ‘There will be thousands of education leavers that are undecided about their futures at the moment, and it is really important for them and the KBB industry that we highlight the career opportunities that the installation sector can bring.

“We want to go further than leafleting at careers events and posting ads on social media, and what we are creating is an opportunity for young people to have a conversation with a real person that can offer meaningful guidance, at a time and place that suits them.

“The KBB installation sector, and the wider KBB industry, provides a vast range of opportunities and we believe this approach will go some way to promoting the possibilities to a fresh pool of talent.’