Richard Tann

Senior Recruitment Consultant

November: Time to Consider Apprenticeship Programs – Your Child’s Gateway to a Thriving Career in Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom industry

As the year progresses, many young people are thinking about their next steps, and November is an important time to start planning for the future. While university applications may take up much of the attention, it’s equally important to consider the option of apprenticeships, especially in industries like Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB), where practical skills and hands-on experience are highly valued.

For both students and parents, now is the time to explore apprenticeship opportunities that can offer a pathway into a fulfilling and stable career.

Career advice

November: Time to Consider Apprenticeship Programs – Your Child's Gateway to a Thriving Career in Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom Industry

This blog post encourages young people and their parents to explore apprenticeship opportunities in November, highlighting their importance in the Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) industry. It discusses how apprenticeships provide hands-on learning, address the industry’s skills gap, and help build a pipeline of future professionals for long-term career growth.

Why November? The Ideal Time for Apprenticeship Applications

November is a crucial month for students considering their future because many apprenticeship programs open their application windows during this time. With the year nearing its close, companies begin recruiting for the following year, ensuring they have a strong talent pipeline ready to contribute.

For parents, it’s key to discuss this option with your child now. Apprenticeships offer a blend of learning and earning that is ideal for young people who prefer hands-on experience over traditional academic routes. It’s an alternative to higher education that offers qualifications, on-the-job training, and, in many cases, a direct route into full-time employment.

Encouraging your child to start researching available apprenticeship programs this month will not only put them ahead of the curve but also help them make a more informed decision about their career path. It’s an exciting opportunity to dive into industries like KBB, where creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship are highly valued.

The Role of Apprenticeships in Developing Future KBB Talent

In industries such as KBB, apprenticeships are not just a secondary option—they are a primary way to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals. Apprenticeships have long been integral to sectors that require technical skill, and in KBB, they play a key role in bridging the gap between the classroom and the job site.

Here’s how apprenticeships help in building future talent in KBB:

Hands-On Learning: The KBB industry is one that requires more than theoretical knowledge. Apprenticeships allow young people to learn on the job, developing skills in real-life scenarios, working with experienced professionals, and solving practical challenges. From design and installation to customer service and project management, apprentices are given a 360-degree view of how the industry functions.

Early Exposure to Industry Trends: Apprenticeships expose young professionals to the latest technologies and design trends that are shaping modern kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. From the shift toward sustainable materials to the integration of smart home technologies, apprenticeships ensure that future professionals are well-versed in the industry’s evolving landscape.

Mentorship and Networking: Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of apprenticeships is the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. The mentorship provided during an apprenticeship is invaluable, offering insights and industry know-how that you simply can’t get in a classroom. In addition, apprenticeships enable young people to build networks that can prove beneficial throughout their careers.

Industry Relevance: While academic education often requires students to learn general principles, apprenticeships ensure that participants learn skills directly applicable to the roles they will be filling. This leads to highly competent individuals who are ready to hit the ground running upon completing their apprenticeships, reducing the need for extended training periods.

Promoting Long-Term Career Growth: Apprenticeships often lead directly into full-time employment, and those who enter the industry through this route can advance quickly. Whether your child is aiming for a design role, management, or even opening their own business one day, an apprenticeship lays the groundwork for future success in the industry.

Tackling the Skills Gap in the KBB Industry

The KBB industry, like many other skilled trades, faces a significant skills gap. As older professionals retire and fewer young people choose to enter the trades, the industry is confronted with a shortage of skilled workers. This gap is particularly noticeable in areas such as installation, project management, and design.

Here’s how apprenticeships can be a solution to this challenge:

Creating a Pipeline of Skilled Workers: Apprenticeships offer a clear pathway for young people to enter the KBB industry. By providing structured programs that combine education and practical experience, companies can ensure they have a steady stream of talent ready to fill positions in design, manufacturing, installation, and customer service. This not only helps individual businesses grow but also strengthens the industry as a whole.

Bridging the Generational Divide: As the industry evolves, apprenticeships help bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and the next generation. The transfer of knowledge from experienced workers to apprentices ensures that valuable skills, such as craftsmanship and attention to detail, are passed on, while apprentices bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the table.

Fostering Innovation and Adaptability: Apprenticeships are not just about learning how things have been done—they’re also about preparing for how things will be done in the future. The KBB industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Apprenticeships help young professionals stay at the forefront of these changes, ensuring that the industry remains innovative and adaptable.

Addressing the Shortage of Installers: One of the most pressing needs in the KBB sector is the shortage of qualified installers. A well-structured apprenticeship program can help close this gap by training young people in the technical skills required for this role. Installers play a crucial part in turning design concepts into reality, and without them, the industry faces bottlenecks. Apprenticeships ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals to meet this demand.

What We Can Do to Support Apprenticeships and the Future of KBB

To ensure the future of the KBB industry remains bright, businesses, educational institutions, and the government need to work together in promoting and supporting apprenticeships. Here’s what can be done:

Raise Awareness Among Young People and Parents: Students and their parents need to be more aware of the benefits of apprenticeships. Schools should provide more guidance on apprenticeship routes, and industry professionals need to actively participate in career fairs and open days to show what the KBB industry has to offer.

Provide More Apprenticeship Opportunities: Companies within the KBB industry need to create more apprenticeship positions. This could include partnerships with local colleges or vocational schools, offering both classroom learning and on-the-job experience.

Embrace Diversity: The KBB industry can benefit from attracting a more diverse talent pool. By promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for young people from various backgrounds, apprenticeships can help bring fresh perspectives and creativity to the industry.

Offer Mentorship Programs: Companies should develop structured mentorship programs that pair apprentices with experienced professionals. This ensures that the skills and knowledge acquired during an apprenticeship are effectively transferred and nurtured.

November marks an important time for young people to explore the possibility of an apprenticeship, especially within the KBB industry. For parents, this is an excellent opportunity to guide your child towards a career path that offers both stability and creativity. Apprenticeships are not just an alternative to university; they are a critical component in developing the future talent that will drive the KBB industry forward.

By supporting and promoting apprenticeship programs, we can ensure that the KBB industry remains vibrant, innovative, and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s make sure the next generation has the tools, skills, and opportunities to succeed.

Here are some key apprenticeship providers and programs in the Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom (KBB) industry, particularly focused on installers:

  1. British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI):
    BiKBBI offers an extensive apprenticeship program aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled installers in the KBB industry. They collaborate with various training providers and partners like The Apprenticeship Group and Achieve + Partners to recruit and train new installers. They aim to generate hundreds of new apprentices each year, helping businesses find and train young talent for a sustainable workforce​.
    MORE INFO: Bikbbi website here
    source: kbbreview
  2. LEAP Apprenticeships:
    LEAP (Learning Employment and Apprenticeship Programmes) focuses on providing apprenticeships across various sectors, including the construction and KBB industries. Their programs offer practical training, helping young people gain hands-on experience while working with businesses to tackle the skills gap in trades such as kitchen installation.
    MORE INFO: LEAP website: https://www.leapapprenticeships.co.uk/
  3. Wickes Installation Apprenticeship Scheme
    Wickes offers a structured Installation Apprenticeship scheme, focusing on kitchen installations. The program includes hands-on training with experienced installers from the Wickes Approved Installer Network and formal training delivered by WEBS Training Ltd. It covers essential technical skills, customer service, and business setup. Wickes is keen to help fill the skills gap in the installation sector​

    MORE INFO: Wickes Internal
    ​Source: Insight DIY
  4. Barker and Stonehouse Apprenticeship Scheme
    This furniture retailer runs an apprenticeship program for installation roles, which focuses on practical and technical skills essential to home installations. The scheme is aimed at developing future talent to address the growing need for skilled tradespeople in home improvements.
    MORE INFO>>
  5. Howdens Joinery Apprentice Program
    Howdens, a significant supplier of kitchens, also offers an apprentice program focused on building skills for kitchen and joinery installations. The scheme provides both on-the-job training and technical coursework to prepare apprentices for careers in the KBB industry.
    MORE INFO>>

These organisations aim to provide a structured pathway into the KBB sector, helping bridge the gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the supply of new talent.