BMF Apprenticeship Plus INDUSTRY
VOICE
The BMF/LEAP Apprenticeship Plus programme is a key tool for recruiting talented people into the building materials supply sector, which is a major part of the UK economy.
The BMF, with its partner LEAP (LEAP Early Careers and Apprenticeships), provides 12 industry apprenticeship programmes covering a range of aspects of the builders’ merchants’ industry.
This partnership of expertise in delivering apprenticeships and in-depth knowledge of the building materials sector ensures apprentices benefit from tailored learning for their role. BMF Apprenticeship Pledge – launched last year this has
set an ambitious target of creating 15,000 apprenticeship opportunities within the industry by 2030, with 11,393 new apprenticeship places already pledged by 17 member companies.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “Building materials supply is a dynamic and interesting sector and we need talented people in- cluding school leavers and people of all ages from all walks of life to get involved in areas such as the provision of new products to make homes more sustain- able and achieve a lower carbon future.
“There is a wealth of
opportunities available and people with determination and ambition
will find that their efforts are well rewarded.” Contact kerry.wilson@bmf.
org.uk for more details about BMF support for apprentices and the Apprenticeship Pledge.
Understanding the Apprenticeship Levy in Simple Terms
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy, initiated by the UK government in April 2017, requires all employers with a wage bill exceeding £3 million annually to pay 0.5% of their payroll as a levy tax. This levy is then reinvested into workforce training, fostering skills development.
Who’s Liable?
Employers with a combined pay bill of £3 million or more are liable for the Levy, irrespective of sector. However, those with a total wage bill below £3m are exempt.
Key Insights: ¡ Calculation: The Levy is based on a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s pay bill, with an annual allowance of £15,000. ¡ Connected Organisations: Grouped organisations share thresholds and allowances. ¡ Flexibility: Employers can access funds for apprenticeship training, with Levy payments divided across the devolved nations.
Enhancements: ¡ New Standards:
Apprenticeship standards range from an entry Level 2 to Level 7,
BMF Membership tops 950
The BMF reports that its UK & Ireland membership has now reached 950 member companies, who together have a combined turnover of over £44.9bn and
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employ over 208,000 people in the building materials sector. The milestone was reached partly due to an extension of its group membership agreement
offering qualifications akin to a Master’s degree. ¡ Transfers: Since April 2019, 25% of the training fund can be transferred to support smaller companies within the supply chain.
Your Opportunities: ¡ 10% Top-Up: Employers paying the Levy receive a 10% top-up for apprenticeship training, this is specifically applicable only to the English Levy liability. ¡ Utilisation: Maximise your opportunities for utilising the Levy for all qualifying
with Topline Group, the leading buying group in Ireland whose members supply DIY and building materials. These additional members in Ireland now bring the total BMF Irish membership to over 70 merchants.
staff training and portfolio enhancement.
Our Support:
If you need help understanding your Levy simply contact the BMF Learning & Development lead, Kerry Wilson; kerry.
wilson@bmf.org.uk or our LEAP contact Barry Moss; barry. moss@leapapprenticeships.
co.uk
Understanding the
Apprenticeships Levy doesn’t need a decoder. Let’s make it crystal clear for you. Get in touch with the BMF and explore your options!
The majority of the BMF membership remains its core merchant businesses, operating from over 5,800 locations, but the membership also includes a large number of product suppliers to merchants and service suppliers.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2024
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