Attendees of the KBB Careers Day:
"Together, we are committed to closing the KBB skills gap by empowering individuals to retrain and upskill through targeted training and apprenticeship opportunities."
The Journey of an Apprentice
š¢ On October 17, 2024, we embarked on an inspiring new journey! š
Simon Acres and Kordian Pach had the privilege of visiting Adroit Services | Amazing Bathrooms to kick off an 18-month collaboration showcasing the real-life journey of their outstanding apprentices. š½ļø
Our mission is to demystify the apprenticeship processāfrom recruitment and training to demonstrating how apprenticeships can fuel business growth. By sharing the apprentice’s journey and highlighting the dedication of employers and suppliers, we aim to inspire more KBB industry and Merchant companies to embrace apprenticeships. š
A heartfelt thank you to Peter Butt and his team for their unwavering commitment to nurturing talent. Alongside our communications, we are producing an insightful film š¬ for the South East Young Apprentice Ambassador Network, supporting additional hires, particularly among SMEs š±.
Weāre proud to spotlight the real impact apprentices can have when given the right support! š¤
If youāre considering hiring an apprentice, learn from those whoāve successfully done it, and donāt hesitate to ask questions as we document this journey. š½ļø
Stay tuned for more updates!
What we have learnt so far:
We are proud to share the results of our collaboration: a series of films designed to inspire everyone considering taking on an apprentice, as well as those who have chosen an apprenticeship as their path.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape your future and embark on the journey to becoming a skilled business professional. š
Skills & Apprenticeship HubThis project was designed to support the KBB industry and help bridge the skills gap for a stronger future.
The project builds on our previous initiatives for the KBB industry, particularly the twice-organised Careers Day ā "How to Hire More Apprentices" ā and our Apprenticeship and Skills Hub at the Installer Show.
Simon Acres Group is an industry ambassador of apprenticeships, training and self-development in the Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom & Merchant industries.
By researching problems and finding solutions on how to hire more apprentices, we aim to support the industry in addressing the shortage of talented individuals, thus minimising future workforce challenges.
What we have learnt so far:
1. Choose a training provider and for non-levy payers, (wage bill less than Ā£3m) you may now receive 100% funding for the apprenticeship training costs.
2. There are many apprenticeship providers – we can help to choose the most relevant and proven
3. From 1st April 2024, the minimum wage for apprentices will be Ā£6.40 per hour, applicable to those aged 16-18 and for 19 or over, who are in their first year.
4. There are payment grants available to employers Ā£1,000 plus for apprentices at the start of their apprenticeship.
5. The apprentice’s working hours will need to be 20% spent off-the-job training.
6. On top of coursework, successful apprentices are marked pass, merit, or distinction after typically, a written skills test, practical demonstration of work and a professional discussion with an assessor.
We were there at the Installer Show 2024, and we will be there again this year, supporting the shared message and promoting the "How to Hire More Apprentices" program.
Weāve proudly continued our mission to support apprenticeships and self-development through impactful initiatives like our šš©š©š«šš§šš¢ššš¬š”š¢š© & šš¤š¢š„š„š¬ šš®š. Led by Simon Acres Group alongside industry experts Barry Moss, Derek Williams, Andy Gamble, Renee Mascari, Hannah Hockley, Alan Wallace, Dale Willis, and more, this hub has been at the heart of key events, connecting with professionals like YOU who are passionate about nurturing talent and fostering growth.
Now, weāre excited to embark on a new project, furthering this mission and making an even greater impact in the KBB industry.
š What can you expect from our stand (Number 4B22)? We’re here to support businesses in finding the perfect apprenticeship programs for hashtagKBB and hashtagMerchants industries!
Whether you’re seeking the right apprenticeship provider or need assistance with future recruitment processes, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Shall we change the future of our industry together? š¼ šŖ
šš§š ššØ š§šØš ššØš«š šš ššØ š«šš š¢š¬ššš« š²šØš®š« ššššš§ššš§šš ššØššš²
Are you looing for answers on:
Speakers timetable
Tuesday 25th June
10:30 am – Steve Allen / Dunavox
11:00 am – Barry Moss / Leap
12:00 pm – Natalie Cole / Fiesta
12:30 pm – Shane Stenning / Didac
1:00 pm – Malcolm Scott / The KBSA
2:00 pm – Alex Ainge / Cyncly
3:00 pm – Hannah Hockley / The Apprenticeship Partner
Wednesday 26th June
10:30 am – Steve Allen / Dunavox
11:00 am – Barry Moss / Leap
12:00 pm – Derek Williams / A&P
12:30 pm – Shane Stenning / Didac
1:00 pm – Luke Wedgbury / The KBSA
2:00 pm – Alan Wallace / AAN
3:00 pm – Alex Ainge / Cyncly
Thursday 27th June
10:30 am – Steve Allen / Dunavox
11:00 am – Barry Moss / Leap
12:00 pm – Andy Gamble / Merchants Apprenticeship
12:30 pm – Shane Stenning / Didac
1:00 pm – Malcolm Scott / The KBSA
2:00 pm – Dale Willis / My Great First Job
3:00 pm – Alex Ainge / Cyncly
Check what our experts said on our previous events:
Implementing an apprenticeship program in your company – Angela Borman Chair of AAN
During our Careers Day events, we have discovered numerous barriers that deter businesses from taking on an apprentice. Some of these barriers are closely linked to misinformation or knowing where to find information. The apprenticeship process can be challenging and is perhaps not well-promoted, causing company owners to prematurely abandon their search for answers.Ā If youāre considering hiring an apprentice, we strongly recommend listening to the full interview. Angela addresses the barriers and with questions, provides links to resources where you can find solutions for implementing an apprenticeship program in your company. Useful links from the interview:
1) Jargon ā where to find a glossary of terms: Apprenticeship glossary | Undergraduate, Apprenticeships | UCAS >>LINK<<
2) How to hire / the actual process ā who / where: Recruiting an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk) >>LINK<<
3) Cost and grant understanding ā who pays what and when: Employing an apprentice: Get funding for apprenticeship training ā GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) >>LINK<<
4) Wages brackets The National Minimum Wage in UK >>LINK<<
How the BMF can help you to hire apprentices – Kerry Wilson
Kerry Wilson from the BMF gave an insightful presentation at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Day speaking on how the BMF supports the industry with hiring more apprentices.
Kerry delivers a wealth of direct answers that would be ver yusefull before any business consider hiring an apprentice.
The skills gap in our industry is growing and something needs to be done, check out the video below where Kerryās passion for this subject shines through!
The importance of diversity within employment – Kasim Choudhry
There is nothing better than an enthusiastic speaker!
During our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careerās Day, Kasim Choudhry from Pathway Group gave an informative and engaging speech on diversity and inclusion within apprenticeships and the workplace. š
From speaking on topics such as neurodiversity, understanding your employees struggles and much more the presentation was truly inspiring and one to listen to.
How to encourage school leavers to become an apprentice – Adam Palmer
Educating people about the opportunities in our industry is important, especially for young people who are looking to start their careers!
Adam Palmer from Moulton College spoke at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careerās Day, giving us an industry insight into learners’ minds. š¤Æ
Speaking on how students benefit from business visits, case studies and the importance of interacting this presentation is a must-watch!
Thank you once again Adam for speaking about this important topic!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR INDUSTRY IF WE FAIL TO DELIVER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Young people are the future of our industry!
Stephen Johnson, the Managing Director of Quooker, delivered an emotive and inspirational speech at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careers Day in which he bought to light the importance of investing in young people.
A young and dynamic workforce results in innovation and productivity, our industry is looking for itās next generation.
Thank you once again Stephen for speaking about this important topic!
Event Testimonial:
Skills & Apprenticeship Hub Partners:
Contact
We are here to help you
01933 449977
Hi There!
Check what our experts said on our previous events:
Implementing an apprenticeship program in your company – Angela Borman Chair of AAN
During our Careers Day events, we have discovered numerous barriers that deter businesses from taking on an apprentice. Some of these barriers are closely linked to misinformation or knowing where to find information. The apprenticeship process can be challenging and is perhaps not well-promoted, causing company owners to prematurely abandon their search for answers.Ā If youāre considering hiring an apprentice, we strongly recommend listening to the full interview. Angela addresses the barriers and with questions, provides links to resources where you can find solutions for implementing an apprenticeship program in your company. Useful links from the interview:
1) Jargon ā where to find a glossary of terms: Apprenticeship glossary | Undergraduate, Apprenticeships | UCAS >>LINK<<
2) How to hire / the actual process ā who / where: Recruiting an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk) >>LINK<<
3) Cost and grant understanding ā who pays what and when: Employing an apprentice: Get funding for apprenticeship training ā GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) >>LINK<<
4) Wages brackets The National Minimum Wage in UK >>LINK<<
How the BMF can help you to hire apprentices – Kerry Wilson
Kerry Wilson from the BMF gave an insightful presentation at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Day speaking on how the BMF supports the industry with hiring more apprentices.
Kerry delivers a wealth of direct answers that would be ver yusefull before any business consider hiring an apprentice.
The skills gap in our industry is growing and something needs to be done, check out the video below where Kerryās passion for this subject shines through!
The importance of diversity within employment – Kasim Choudhry
There is nothing better than an enthusiastic speaker!
During our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careerās Day, Kasim Choudhry from Pathway Group gave an informative and engaging speech on diversity and inclusion within apprenticeships and the workplace. š
From speaking on topics such as neurodiversity, understanding your employees struggles and much more the presentation was truly inspiring and one to listen to.
How to encourage school leavers to become an apprentice – Adam Palmer
Educating people about the opportunities in our industry is important, especially for young people who are looking to start their careers!
Adam Palmer from Moulton College spoke at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careerās Day, giving us an industry insight into learners’ minds. š¤Æ
Speaking on how students benefit from business visits, case studies and the importance of interacting this presentation is a must-watch!
Thank you once again Adam for speaking about this important topic!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR INDUSTRY IF WE FAIL TO DELIVER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Young people are the future of our industry!
Stephen Johnson, the Managing Director of Quooker, delivered an emotive and inspirational speech at our KBB and Merchant Apprenticeship Careers Day in which he bought to light the importance of investing in young people.
A young and dynamic workforce results in innovation and productivity, our industry is looking for itās next generation.
Thank you once again Stephen for speaking about this important topic!
Event Testimonial:
Lisa Barnes (LSIP) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Massive thank you toĀ Jordan Burns,Ā Simon AcresĀ andĀ Lewis MorrishĀ for a wonderful event today at TheĀ #recruitmentĀ #trainingĀ Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & MediaĀ So much positivity in the room! Amazing speakers, powerful words and a clear need for us all to come together to discuss the skills gaps affecting us.
#careersdayĀ #eventĀ #LSIPĀ #changeĀ #closethegapĀ #thankyouĀ #apprenticeships
Tobias Waltham (Corporate Partnerships) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Superb day at the Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & Media #careerday today. Putting aside the superb networking, it was really informative and raised a lot of questions about our industry and its future.
Stunning speeches from the likes of Damian Walters & Stephen Johnson š±ā„ as well who are correct; itās time as an industry we stopped just nodding our heads and agreeing, and actually started doing something about the skills gap and lack of diversity in this wonderful industry we call KBB. (…)
Thank you to Simon Acres, Jordan Burns and the rest of the team for putting on such a good event. Looking forward to the next one!!
Ren Mascari about the latest KBB Careers Day:
I was invited to speak at the recent Careers Day, on Kitchen Design as a Career Option. This was to introduce the kitchen industry and support apprenticeships. The day was filled with presentations and debate and most importantly streamed live on utube. This made it possible to reach a much wider audience. The technical expertise, industry participation and hospitality of Compusoft will have raised the profile of the KBB industry as well as the apprenticeships that are currently available.
I very much look forward to the next KBB Careers Day
Educate to Inspire
Alexander Ainge about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Last year we embarked on a journey to support our industry colleagues atĀ Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & MediaĀ in the pursuit of addressing the industry skills shortage and need to attract new talent via educational and apprenticeship programmes.
The first careers day held at ourĀ CynclyĀ /Ā Compusoft GroupĀ UK office back in September ā22 helped pioneer a new movement of industry leaders, working towards a common goal of future proofing this exceptional UK industry.
Today was the next instalment of this journey andĀ Simon AcresĀ andĀ Jordan BurnsĀ took their initiative to a new level, welcoming us to their new HQ. With more than double the attendees, a well orchestrated presentation schedule and high profile industry speakers, this event has really gained tremendous traction in a very short timeframe.
Congratulations to everyone that was involved in making this happen and to the sponsors that supported the event šš¼ šš¼
It was also great to see so many industry colleagues in person šš¼ we all share a responsibility to make this a success!
Charlotte Deprez about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Careerās Day 2022 was such a good event and Simon Acres group were great hosts throughout. It was a truly informative day and it was great to have so many industry professionals in the same room all discussing such an important matter for the KBB sector and bringing light to some of the issues apprenticeships face. It was great to have first-hand opinions from the group of apprentices in the room and Iām hopeful that collectively we can do more to support more people considering apprenticeships and careers in our industry going forward.
I am very much looking to see what Careers Day in 2023 brings and to see everyone again.
Laura Capell-Abra (Stress Matters) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Huge thanks toĀ Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & MediaĀ for hosting a great day aboutĀ #apprenticeships.
So many shared challenges across different industries and businesses, it was great to have such a positive learning space to discuss and challenge the status quo.
Some absolutely brilliant speakers too and it was lovely to be a member of the audience and not be speaking!
Thank youĀ Simon AcresĀ Jordan BurnsĀ The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI)Ā Damian WaltersĀ Stephen Johnson š±ā„Ā Alex GlasnerĀ Kasim ChoudhryĀ and all the other speakers too
Emma Hedges (Kbb Focus) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
As an Industry Ambassador (and Iāve now got the certificate to prove it! šŖ) Iād just like to say what a great day we had at theĀ Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & MediaĀ Careers Day. Enlightening talks and fresh perspectives made it a truly worthwhile event to attend – thanks so much toĀ Simon AcresĀ and his team for all the work theyāre putting in to help our industry meet the skills gap challenge
#careersdayĀ #kbbĀ #apprenticeships
Matthew Pitt (Kaboodle) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Thanks to the team at Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & Media for hosting a fantastic apprenticeship conference today. As someone who began my own career as an apprentice, I am very proud to join a group of like-minded industry ambassadors who are truly passionate about promoting apprenticeships and providing opportunities to our future generation of KBB industry professionals. Some really great insights were shared today that will help Kaboodle with the way we train our installers. Super excited to get to work on this!!
#kbb #kitchens #bathrooms #whitegoods #installer #apprenticeships #careers #skillsgap
Mark Conacher (Liberty Fitting Service Ltd) about the latest KBB Careers Day:
Congratulations toĀ Simon AcresĀ and his team on a great Careers Day presentation today. ššš
An incredibly early start for myself online š„± but a very worthwhile cause to support, even all the way from the west coast of Canada šØš¦
Thank you to all the speakers for keeping the energy high š
#kbbĀ #kitchensĀ #bathroomsĀ #apprenticeshipsĀ #careersĀ #skillsgapĀ Simon Acres Group – KBB/Merchant/Construction Recruitment, Training & Media
Skills & Apprenticeship Hub Partners:
Contact
Jordan Burns
Group Services Director
Kordian Pach
Group Marketing Director
Lewis Morrish
Client Relationship Manager
02037016660
lewis@kbbservices.org
Please complete the short form and one of our specialist consultants will give you a call back
By providing us with your details you agree to our privacy policy and for us to keep you updated with the latest news, events, and special offers from kbbsmartsolutions.co.uk, unless you have ticked the box below. If you would prefer not to receive our marketing emails, please tick the box below.
Phone: 0203 701 6660
Email: info@kbbsmartsolutions.co.uk
Error: Contact form not found.