NEWS | Round-up


EDUCATION FOCUS


BiKBBI launches Trailblazer group as a way to help save installer apprenticeship


MORE THAN 100 businesses have answered the call to action from BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters (pictured) to join a Trailblazer group to develop and deliver the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship. In total, 600 businesses registered their support for apprenticeships on The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation’s online page. In September, Walters had warned that “one of the most significant


challenges” facing the KBB industry was a shortage of installers. The BiKBBI has been working with strategic partners The Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (Fiesta) and specialist End Point Assessment agency Achieve + Partners to set up a Trailblazer group to review the current Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship. Its aim is to provide the industry with the opportunity to “ensure the apprenticeship is both continued and


TKET reveals major breakthrough for kitchen industry education


THE KITCHEN Education Trust (TKET) has gained approval from The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to develop the home, kitchen and living space designer apprenticeship degree. TKET has been working closely with a trailblazer committee – made up of some of the kitchen industry’s leading employers, including Blum, BSH, Symphony and Roundhouse – to develop the course standard.


TKET said this approval from The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education was “a major step towards getting the course operational”. Currently the biggest barrier to tertiary education is the expense, with the individual or employer bearing the cost. This approval means that the new degree course will be a fraction of the cost of current options, and by providing generous support it offers wider access to tertiary education.


TKET chairman Craig Matson (pictured) said: “This approval offers potential students the opportunity to access tertiary education at a significantly reduced cost. It will allow us to educate the right people at the right level, ensuring that we have the level of professionalism required by the industry.”


Blanco sponsors third student on kitchen design degree course


BLANCO HAS announced it is to continue its sponsorship of the three year foundation degree in kitchen design at Bucks New University. Lucy Heaney (pictured right), whose family runs Woodbridge Interiors in Melton, Suffolk, is the third student Blanco has sponsored on the degree course. By supporting the course – which is run in partnership with The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET) – the German sink and tap brand said it is helping to foster a new generation of inspirational kitchen designers.


HiB launches new training academy


BATHROOM PRODUCTS supplier HiB has launched its own training academy to provide apprenticeship opportunities and qualifications for new and existing employees.


The academy is said to mark a new era in the brand’s history and will support its recruitment and learning development strategy to ensure that all employees have access to progression and growth at all stages of their career. Among the first to take part in the scheme will be new apprentices and existing staff members from the warehouse department, who will complete a 12-month HABC-recognised certification in supply chain warehousing. Customer and employee experience director Emma Cuggy said: “The HiB academy is a fantastic opportunity to offer training and development courses to our team across our London head office and Tamworth distribution site, empowering them with the skills to achieve their goals.”


12 · November 2020


developed for future use”. Walters said: “Despite challenging times for the country, it’s clear that the industry has responded well to our call to action. As well as some of the national brands, including John Lewis & Partners, B&Q, Sharps Bedrooms and Howdens, we’ve seen scores of independent businesses step up and show support for apprenticeships.” The appeal follows the government’s announcement that it is reviewing current Apprenticeships as part of its


objective of developing vocational learning. The review will see eight new level 2 apprenticeships proposed for development – including the Fitted Furniture Installers option.


The BiKBBI has worked with South Essex College and Prospects College of Advanced Technology over the past two years to develop and deliver the Level 2 apprenticeship and Walters has confirmed its intention to replicate the success of that trial with training providers nationwide.


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