Long Whatton-based BMF member Harlow Timber Group supports a national campaign to address the building materials skills shortage
Maria Marlow from Harlow Timber Group is supporting a pioneering careers campaign, which delivers a united voice to address major skills shortages in the building materials sector.
The Building Materials Careers campaign, led by the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation), harnesses the power of a £51 billion industry with more than 1,000 companies to tackle recruitment challenges.
Focused on attracting new skills in vital areas of the sector, including sustainability, innovation and delivering products that can enhance productivity on building sites, Harlow Timber Group is among the BMF members from across the UK who have shared their own experiences and career journeys on the dedicated bmcareers.com website to provide a window on the opportunities available.
The campaign, launched in London recently ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 Feb), targets school leavers and trainees, as well as those looking for a career change to attract the diversity of skills needed for the future success of the sector.
Maria Marlow said: “The BMF Sector Awareness Campaign is crucial for Harlow Timber Group as it highlights the importance of the industry and the career opportunities within it. As a company that thrives in the materials sector, raising awareness about the industry's impact helps attract new talent, strengthen customer relationships, and promote the vital role merchants play in the supply chain. By supporting this campaign, Harlow Timber Group can showcase its expertise, commitment to sustainable sourcing, and dedication to quality service, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in the industry.
It is encouraging to see this initiative gaining momentum, as it not only educates the public about the diverse career paths available but also ensures long-term growth for businesses like Harlow Timber Group. With ongoing challenges in recruitment and skills shortages, the campaign provides a platform to engage with future professionals, apprentices, and those considering a career change. By participating, Harlow Timber Group demonstrates its proactive approach to industry development, helping to secure a skilled workforce and drive innovation in timber and building materials.”
John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF said: “This careers campaign unites the building materials sector, bringing together organisations such as (member’s name) that collectively form a major part of the UK economy to showcase the opportunities for the future.
“We need to invest in a building materials supply chain that brings a diversity of skills to produce the materials needed for a new generation of construction projects for the future, including meeting the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes in the UK.”
The Building Materials Careers website is the pathway to find out more about opportunities in the sector;
Building Materials Careers | Explore the Building Materials sector