A KBB Careers Day, hosted by KBB, merchant and construction services provider, Simon Acres Group (SAGL) and industry software supplier Cyncly, urged action over apprenticeships.

Attended by trade associations, merchants, retailers, training providers, students, and kitchen manufacturer Omega PLC, there was a consensus the industry has a lot of work to do to showcase a career in the KBB sector.

In particular, a panel of experts said the industry needed to reach out to young people, and those looking for a career change.

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Barry Moss from LEAP Apprenticeship urged employers to take action and access the £3billion funding that is available for apprenticeships in the sector.

He highlighted a lack of interest from employers by noting that only 137 students are undertaking the Level 3 Apprenticeship in fitted furniture design.

Moss also reported employers can upskill their current workforce by putting existing employees through apprenticeships.

Ren Mascari, who offers kitchen design training and was CEO at the KBB NTG, highlighted the need for a comprehensive training approach to take on board technology and business skills for kitchen designers.

Charlotte Deprez from MKM Building Supplies shared how MKM has a rolling programme of apprentices across all sectors of the business, taking in not just young people but others who may be taking a career change later in life.

She said: “We must change perceptions of what an apprenticeship is. Our apprentices are well paid, and given a clear path to develop and build careers across the group.”

And Damian Walters, CEO of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) agreed, highlighting it is possible to train from Level 2 all the way up to Master’s Degree.

While Gary Ward from Kutchenhaus noted there is a lack of awareness amongst KBB retailers about where to go to get the funding and find apprentices.

Simon Acres group sales director Jordan Burns commented: “We are grateful to everyone that took part.

“There was a lot of passion in the room which led to some amazing and impactful points being made.

“The panel discussion was lively and productive, resulting in a number of meaningful action points for the parties to take away that could make a difference.

“All of the speakers expressed their concerns about the skills shortage for both installation and design roles and agreed that the biggest obstacle is communication and knowledge.”