The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has called the industry into action to tackle the shortfall of new, proficient and skilled installers.

Highlighting these issues and its proposed solutions, BiKBBI has a whitepaper titled ‘BiKBBI 2023: Pathways to support the success of the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation industry through times of challenge’.  

There has been growth in demand for skilled KBB installers over recent years, however the industry has an ageing and shrinking workforce, and there is a shortfall of new proficient and skilled installers.

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These issues have compounded the existing skills gap, resulting in longer lead times for retailers and consumers to access trained and skilled installers and capacity to complete projects.

The current situation also exposes consumers to a greater risk of opportunist, unskilled traders.

BiKBBI has set out three key pathways to tackle these issues and support and grow the KBB industry in 2023 and beyond: Learning and development, sustainability and raising standards.

Furthering the BiKBBI apprenticeship programme, launched in 2021, the institute will create a dedicated Education Steering Committee.

Working in partnership with the industry, the BiKBBI proposes to tackle and communicate the skills gap issues.

BiKBBI will also continue to develop access to education and resources for KBB installers in partnership with the Government and industry to support the growing need for a sustainable supply chain

The current skills gap in the UK industry has highlighted the need for retailers and consumers to have access to well-trained and skilled installers and the BiKBBI has proposed two pathways: self-regulation and mandatory regulation – imposed by government.

BiKBBI will convene stakeholders and industry representatives to form a standards committee to agree recommendations for regulation.

Chief executive of BiKBBI Damian Walters said: ‘Our industry continues to face significant challenges as we start 2023, but the skills gap is, if anything, growing.

“We have made great strides with our modern apprenticeship programme, but we will continue to work in partnership with industry via our new Education Steering Committee to tackle this issue and grow the UK workforce.

“We want retailers and consumers to access professional, skilled installers with confidence; our pathways for education and sustainability have been introduced with this in mind.

“However, we feel in 2023 we must, as an industry, discuss regulation and how this pathway could both protect and grow the KBB industry.’