WCoBM supports Building Materials Careers with dedicated grants


Funding is available from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM), a City Livery Company and charitable organisation, to support training and skills development in the building materials industry. 

The financial support, worth up to £2,000 per grant, is open to individuals looking to enter the building materials sector for the first time, and to those already working within it who wish to develop their skills and learning. Grants are also available for school leavers, college or university graduates, students and apprentices. Builders’ merchants and building material suppliers can benefit too, subject to meeting the relevant criteria, with the Livery Company recognising the importance of encouraging an environment in which employees can learn, develop and fulfil their career ambitions.

WCoBM grants can be used for a range of needs to ensure the financial support benefits individuals or organisations where it matters the most. For example, covering the cost, fully or partially, of relevant learning materials and practical tools, through to supporting dedicated qualifications, learning modules, training platforms or apprenticeship programmes.

The Chair of WCoBM’s Education & Training Committee, Lucia Di Stazio, comments: “Training and Education is a core tenet of WCoBM and the Company is extremely pleased to be able to provide dedicated grants to support the development of individuals in our sector.  

“At a time where construction is experiencing an extreme skills shortage, it’s vital we do all we can to encourage individuals to see the building materials sector and recognise it as an attractive opportunity to develop their learning and expertise and explore the vast career prospects that exist within.” 

WCoBM Master Alan Hawkins adds: “The building materials sector is an attractive proposition for school-leavers, apprentices and graduates and for those who have already embarked on their journey in the industry. The wealth of job opportunities and the chance to train, learn new skills, experience different roles and advance your career is reflective of our sector’s motivation, agility and passion to support professional development.”

Grant applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more details, including how you can apply, visit: wcobm.co.uk/grants-and-funding

People working in the building materials sector

JT Atkinson Steps Up Environmental Efforts  


JT Atkinson an independent family run merchant are making significant strides in environmental stewardship through their ongoing partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The company is committed to supporting the Trust’s mission to combat nature loss and expand woodland areas in the Yorkshire Dales, where woodland cover is just over 4%—significantly lower than the national park average of around 9%. 

JT Atkinson has pledged continued support to the Trust in its ambitious goal of creating 6,000 hectares of woodland habitat in the Yorkshire Dales National Park by 2040. As part of this initiative, the company actively participates in annual volunteer efforts, including tree planting and the removal and recycling of plastic tree guards. In 2022 alone, JT Atkinson helped clear an estimated 4,000 plastic tree guards from the Dales, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems. 

Two people planting trees

The company has also played a vital role in the Seed to Sapling campaign, donating essential tools and equipment while matching funds raised. This campaign, aimed at fostering a new generation of trees, reflects JT Atkinson’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. 

“Our partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust aligns perfectly with our business objectives to be more sustainable, give back to our communities, and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Jamie Atkinson, Managing Director of JT Atkinson. “This is the fourth year of our collaboration, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our staff involved in planting native trees, clearing plastics from our woodlands, and building germination trays.” 

Two people planting trees

Through this partnership, JT Atkinson has not only contributed to the creation of woodlands for wildlife and community enjoyment but has also facilitated connections with nature for 300 people across local communities. These efforts are instrumental in improving mental health and empowering individuals to take action against climate change. 

Key achievements from JT Atkinson’s partnership with the Trust include: 

  • Raising a total of £15,712 for the community Seed to Sapling project. 
  • Donating £35,000 to support the planting of 1.6 million native trees in the Yorkshire Dales. 
  • Volunteering over 400 hours to maintain local woodlands, remove plastics, and plant saplings. 
  • Supporting the Green Futures scheme, which helps young people reach their full potential. 

As JT Atkinson continues its work with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, the company remains dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the communities it serves. 

A sapling and an oak tree

Group of people in countryside

My journey in the Building Materials Industry

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If you’re looking for a career that offers long-term satisfaction, opportunities for growth, and a sense of community, the building materials industry might just be the perfect path. My name is Paul McGill, and I’m the Operations Director at JT Atkinson, a Builders Merchant with 37 branches across Cumbria, Yorkshire, and the Northeast, and I’d like to share why this industry has been such a rewarding journey for me.

I grew up in Barrow-In-Furness, where most of my peers were expected to join the shipyard at Vickers Ltd. When I didn’t meet the requirements, I found myself unemployed, scanning the local newspaper for job opportunities. One day, I came across an opening at a Builders Merchant called Ferguson Cumbria. At the time, I had no idea what a Builders Merchant was.

I started by unloading wagons, managing stock, and serving customers. Over time, I transitioned into sales, which led to opportunities at other companies, including manufacturers and other merchants. I worked my way up to Branch Manager, then eventually became a Regional Director at Travis Perkins. After many years in that role, I joined independent merchants, JT Atkinson where I have stayed 8 years.

A Great Industry for Personal Growth

The building materials sector offers never-ending opportunities for career development. I started out with no experience and no clear direction, but through hard work and the supportive environment of this industry, I’ve achieved several high-level roles.

“If I can do it, so can anyone.”

What’s great about this sector is that you don’t need to have specific skills or extensive experience to start; what really matters is having the ability to create a rapport with people. Product knowledge and system and process expertise can be learned on the job.

Building a Community, Not Just a Career

One of the best things about working in this industry is the relationships you build over time. In the Builders Merchant world, you get to know your colleagues and customers well. The tradespeople we serve are often fun, down-to-earth people, which makes the workday enjoyable. Plus, the long-term friendships you form are invaluable.

Where else would you find colleagues who have been working in the same company for 20, 30, and even 40 years. We’re a dedicated bunch who want to help our team members grow and realise their ambitions, no matter where they start. This sector also prides itself in giving back to the communities we operate in, through local events, sponsorships, fundraisers and more.

A Proud History and A Bright Future

In this industry there are many businesses that have been around a very long time. JT Atkinson was founded in 1860 and is still family-run. I think this creates a sector which has a workplace culture with deep-rooted family values and long term vision… where people genuinely look out for each other which makes coming to work something to look forward to.

If you’re unsure where your career is beginning or heading, why not consider the building materials sector? We’re always looking for motivated individuals who want to grow with us. If what I’ve shared resonates with you, you never know, this could be the rewarding career path you’ve been searching for.

Paul McGill