VIEWPOINT A YEAR OF SUPPORTING
SKILLS AND CAREERS Lucia Di Stazio, chair of WCoBM’s Education & Training Committee
IT’S BEEN A year since the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants relaunched its Build Your Career campaign, and over the past 12 months, the Livery Company has been proud to offer grants of up to £2,000 through its dedicated Training and Education Fund. The grants help with the cost of qualifications, apprenticeship programmes or learning materials as the company continues to help foster skill development across the building materials industry.
Among the grants provided over the period, three have been used to support the cost of dedicated qualifications for individuals – one being the Builders’ Merchants Federation’s (BMF) Certificate in Merchanting Module C3&4, and two for the Institute of Builders’ Merchants (IoBM) Diploma in Merchant Management. For all three businesses, these qualifications represent investment in the ongoing professional development of their employees. For example, in one case, the merchant business had identified a strong potential career path for a longstanding employee and, as part of the company’s succession planning, the professional qualification was identified to help them take their next step in their career. The qualification forms part of a wider training programme already in place for the employee. Another grant was provided to support the ongoing development of an employee from an independent builders’ merchant that believes training and upskilling staff will play a key role in supporting its expansion objectives, as well as strengthening the business’ internal capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to investing in its people.
Grants are also being considered to help businesses with the cost of training their teams on business-
critical systems, such as specialist software, and to strengthen confidence and skills in areas such as sales and customer service. One recipient commented: “A huge thank you to the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants for their generous grant, which made it possible for our company to complete invaluable training. Without WCoBM’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to take part. The training was a two-day on-site BMF course for our teams. It was incredibly beneficial, filled with practical tips and core values that empower our staff to excel in their roles. We are truly grateful.” Another grant recipient put it simply: “I would just like to extend my gratitude and say thank you so very much for the grant. I have learnt so many skills and the course has allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn’t possibly have thought of and that has definitely boosted my self- esteem.”
These words remind us all of the very real impact this funding can have on both people’s personal confidence and professional
October 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
skills, strengthening both their own abilities, and businesses as a whole.
WCoBM grants also help those in the wider construction industry. At the end of last year, funding was awarded to a young girl whose involvement with the Build Up Foundation – a charity the company is proud to support – sparked an interest in carpentry. Subsequently, she was accepted on a course to study Level 2 Bench Joinery, which she completed and passed in August this year and has since been successful in securing an apprenticeship. This achievement deserves celebration not only for her hard work and determination, but also as a demonstration of how targeted support can open doors to fulfilling and lifelong careers.
Providing varied opportunities
What connects these stories is that they all reflect the varied ways in which WCoBM’s Training and Education Fund can be put to work. The grants are designed to be flexible and accessible to a broad
spectrum of applicants interested in or working in the building materials sector – whether they are individuals such as school- leavers, students, apprentices, and employees seeking to advance their skills, or companies looking to invest in their teams. Funding can be used for learning materials or practical tools, dedicated qualifications, modules, courses, training platforms, apprenticeships, and even for tailored work experience – with other needs considered by WCoBM on a case-by-case basis. At a time when the builders’ merchant and building materials industries are grappling with skills shortages, WCoBM is aiming to play a part in nurturing and encouraging talent right across the sector. By removing or reducing financial barriers and offering meaningful support, the company is helping individuals explore career paths they might never have considered and helping businesses develop in-house expertise that secures their future. Most importantly, these grants provide opportunity, enabling people to gain hands-on training and qualifications that will help boost their confidence and encourage them to seize new possibilities.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, WCoBM wants to help even more people: both those thinking of entering the building materials sector, and those already in it. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, please get in touch. Visit WCoBM’s website and explore the eligibility criteria, download the application form, and apply. You could put the grant towards the tools or learning materials you need, or dedicated qualifications or training that will help set your team apart. BMJ
• For more information, visit
www.wcobm.co.uk/grants- and-funding
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