The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has launched a new careers guide aimed at school leavers as GCSE results bring renewed focus to routes into employment, apprenticeships and training across the building materials sector.
The BM Careers Guide sets out entry routes into the industry, alongside information on career progression and case studies from people working across the sector. It forms part of the BMF’s Building Materials Careers campaign and is available through the BMCareers portal.
The portal also features job vacancies from employers across the building materials supply chain, as well as information on apprenticeships, work experience and open days.
Apprenticeships provide route into building materials careers
The BMF is highlighting apprenticeships as a route into paid employment while gaining practical experience and recognised qualifications.
The organisation launched its Apprenticeship Pledge in 2023, with a target of supporting 15,000 apprenticeships across the sector by 2030. The BMF said the target was reached five years ahead of schedule in 2025.
Marianna Peet MIBM, Learning & Development and Apprenticeship Manager at the BMF, said: “Building materials isn’t usually the first thing that springs to young people’s minds when they think about their future, but it offers wide opportunities for young people.
“What’s more is that the skills youngsters have already developed, through school, sport, volunteering, cadets or other activities, could be exactly what employers are looking for.
“You can start as an apprentice, earn while you learn, gain professional qualifications and progress into management and leadership roles.
“Apprenticeships provide a route into a wide range of careers beyond traditional construction roles, with opportunities in sales, logistics, marketing, finance, HR and digital technology, as well as many others.
“For young people who want to start earning, gain practical experience and continue learning, an apprenticeship can provide an alternative to full-time study.”
Building materials sector offers wider construction careers
The BMF said careers in the building materials sector extend beyond traditional construction roles, with opportunities across areas including sales, logistics, marketing, finance, human resources and digital technology.
The BMCareers platform allows young people to search live vacancies, view employer profiles, upload CVs and find information about apprenticeships, work experience and industry open days.
Kasey Barnes, Marketing Manager at plumbing and heating distributor E.Tupling, is among those to have progressed through an apprenticeship route.
Barnes progressed from apprentice to Marketing Manager in three and a half years and is currently studying for a Level 4 Marketing Apprenticeship.
She said: “The opportunities in this industry are endless.
“I never imagined I’d be appointed to Marketing Manager in such a short space of time, but this industry gave me that chance.
“The building materials sector might not seem the obvious choice when you’re leaving school, but it’s full of people who genuinely want to help you succeed.
“There are so many different careers here, and if you want somewhere you can grow, challenge yourself and build a future, this could be the place for you.”
