Sajid
Javid MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has
praised the builders merchants industry for attracting apprentices into the
sector to help solve the housing crisis.
Speaking
at a parliamentary reception to mark the 110th
anniversary of the Builders Merchants Federation, the Housing Secretary pointed
to the vital role the building materials industry will play in meeting the
Government’s housebuilding targets.
He
welcomed the work of the BMF and its members in using the Apprenticeship Levy
to create apprenticeship roles and opportunities for young people to enter the
sector.
The BMF
revealed that 74 builders merchants have so far used the Apprenticeship Levy,
which came into effect just a year ago, to create new apprenticeship roles, and
they anticipate a further 200 new apprenticeship roles by the end of this year.
John Newcomb, Chief Executive of the Builders Merchants Federation, said the
numbers will continue growing quickly over the coming years and pointed to
Travis Perkins’ recent announcement of plans to create 200 apprentice roles in
2018 alone.
John
Newcomb, Chief Executive, BMF said: “At £55bn the UK building materials supply
chain is bigger than the automotive and aerospace industries combined. We’re
growing too, with our members seeing robust growth through 2017 and into this
year.
“We’re a
national success story, with merchants delivering the building blocks for
economic and housing growth across the country. If the country is to build the
homes we need over the coming years, builders merchants will be called upon to
play a leading role.
“The
confidence, growth and resilience in our sector means we’re able to invest more
into opening up opportunities for young people to enter the industry. We truly
value what apprentices can bring to our industry and through our own
Apprenticeships Training Agency we are keen to encourage as many people as
possible into the sector. This is why we welcome the Government’s introduction
of the Apprenticeships Levy, as we’ve been able to use this to boost the
availability of roles for trainees and to help address skills shortages in our
industry.
“Many
merchants have been around for over 100 years and are family businesses. We
care about our local communities. This is why we’re the perfect partner for a
government looking to build more homes, and a great place for young people to
build a great career for themselves”.
Housing
Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “For over a century the Builders Merchants
Federation has played a crucial role in supporting our construction industry to
build the homes our country needs and training the next generation’s workforce.
“I want
to congratulate the BMF and its members for their long service and continued
work offering young people the potential for a great career in the
industry.”
