A LEADING trade body is signposting the opportunities in Wrexham for a career in the building materials industry to mark Apprenticeship Week Wales.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is highlighting the apprenticeship route as a gateway to a wide variety of roles, which offer exciting future prospects.

Although often under the radar when considering career options, the unique environment in the building materials industry – in both builders’ merchants and materials suppliers – has led to the creation of rewarding career pathways in the sector.

The BMF has pulled together a wealth of information to showcase the professional and trade-based opportunities at http://www.buildingmaterialscareers.com/

The website includes information on the qualifications and career routes available to new recruits, including apprenticeships, diplomas and foundation degrees, in a diverse range of roles including HR, finance, driving, engineering, design, warehouse and storage, as well as sales and marketing.

Details of apprenticeships and job vacancies are also included.

Katie James, Assistant Branch Manager at City Plumbing in Wrexham – part of the Travis Perkins Group - is currently completing an apprenticeship programme.

She said: “I am enjoying the positive effect the course is having on my confidence.

“Working as part of a smaller team has allowed me to get involved in more aspects of the branch here at City Plumbing in Wrexham, resulting in me dealing with a wider variety of people.

“It's this branch culture, dealing with people and ensuring everyone is safe in the branch that I enjoy the most.

“I feel like the apprenticeship scheme has encouraged me to work on projects that at one time I would have avoided due to lack of confidence or knowledge.

“It has allowed me to meet new people across different situations, building new relationships.”

The BMF has a unique approach to support young people employed by its members, with exclusive events, initiatives and activities that reflect the importance and value the industry places in encouraging and supporting talent.

These include a conference for younger members, fact-finding visits to international destinations and – as well as the structured qualifications route – a series of one and two-day courses that help broaden participants’ knowledge.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “Many people don’t associate the building materials industry with a clear and exciting career path, but there’s a wealth of opportunities available.

“People with determination and ambition will find that their efforts are well-rewarded.

“Many companies in our membership are led by people who started out in the industry as an apprentice or in a junior role.

“They’ve benefitted from development and training to reach their potential and are now in senior positions themselves.

“Now they are looking to recruit the next generation to join the industry.”