BMF BUILDING BLOCKS

Module 1: Planning, building regulations and preparation

This module takes you through the processes involved in a residential build project. It starts with building regulations and planning permission that need to be considered before any construction work. You’ll then know the definitive design and build stages, including the events that take place at each stage and the personnel that are involved in a typical project.

Module 2: Starting work on a site

This module walks you through starting work on a residential construction site. By understanding the sequence of events on a typical site, you will understand more about how the products you sell are installed.

Module 3: Structural elements of a dwelling

This module focuses on structural elements of a dwelling, namely the walls and floors. You’ll learn about loadbearing and non-loadbearing walls and the various types of walls that are commonly used in the construction of a dwelling. You’ll also know about the various methods of building ground and upper floors and the numerous floor covering options that are on the market.

Module 4: Bricks and blocks

This module will cover the integral construction materials bricks and blocks. You’ll learn about the different manufacturing methods and the various types of brick and block available on the market. You’ll also know the characteristics and properties of each type so that you know what application they are best suited for. Other elements such as bonding and mortar will be covered too.

Module 5: Cement and plaster

This module covers the various types of cement and how it’s made, you’ll also learn about plaster as a building material used for the protective or decorative coating of internal walls and ceilings. You will also be introduced to the various types of plaster and their applications, the things to consider before plastering and the common terms used in the plastering trade.

Module 6: Components for brick and block

Building Components comprise those numerous items that are sold to improve the performance of the fabric of the building. It is a broad category of products, but will include amongst many others, lintels, fasteners, wall ties cavity closers and damp proofing products.

Module 1: Introduction to timber

Timber is a perfect product for today’s environmentally-conscious world: naturally renewable, low carbon, beautiful, durable and easy to use. This section covers sustainably-managed forests, sustainable sources of timber, certification, harvesting and the make up of a tree’s structure.

Module 2: Building with timber

Wood is a beautiful, yet practical building material and is used in many ways in the construction industry. This module explores how wood can be used in the structure of a building, either as a timber frame or as structural panels.

Module 3: Roofing

Irrespective of whether the main structure of the house is brick, block or timber, nearly all roofs have a timber structure. Timber is ideal for roofing because it is strong, light and if properly treated very durable. There are buildings still in use today that were built with a timber roof over 600 years ago!

Module 4: Internal timber and carcassing

Internal timber and carcassing makes up a great proportion of the daily sales of a timber or general merchant. It comprises everything from floor joists to dado rails, in this module you’ll learn about some of the more common products and what some of the common terminology means.

Module 5: Joinery

Joinery is a generic phrase that describes timber items that are fitted in a building but do not generally make up the structural elements. It includes windows, doors and staircases and in some cases profiles and mouldings.

Module 6: Components for timber construction

The most careful design and build can be compromised by a poor choice or application of fixings and construction components. Conversely, correct use can significantly extend the service life of timber products.

Assessment

Module 1: Principles of insulation

This module introduces you to the principles of domestic insulation and explores the factors that make insulation an integral part of a dwelling’s fabric. Insulation is all about reducing the amount of energy needed and used to keep our homes comfortable; the lower our energy use, the lower our energy bills and the less impact we have on our environment.

Module 2: Building regulations

Building regulations are developed by the UK government to set minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to almost any building in the UK. This module looks at the parts of those regulations that govern insulation and some of the methods used for testing compliance.

Module 3: Insulation materials

This module looks at the different types of insulation used in modern construction, how they work and the applications they are best suited for.

Module 4: Wall insulation

Over the years UK wall construction techniques have changed resulting in various types of walls that have different levels of insulation. This module will take you through the many methods and types of wall insulation.

Module 5: Roof insulation

This module will take you through the methods and types of roof insulation, including those suitable for retrofitting into the millions of UK homes that could benefit.

Module 6: Floor insulation

This module looks at the methods and types of insulation used in floors, covering thermal and acoustic properties and fire ratings.

Assessment

Module 1: Introduction to central heating

This module deals mainly with “wet” central heating systems, where water is the main heat transfer fluid. In the UK this is by far the most common technology, although you may also occasionally come across electrical heating and warm air systems. We will explore the components of a wet heating system and how they combine to provide unobtrusive, reliable heating and hot water comfort.

Module 2: System controls

Controls are a vital part of any central heating system, their purpose is both to ensure the dwelling is kept warm when required and to minimise energy waste. This module will give you an overview of the key controls in a system.

Module 3: Boilers, heat pumps and solar

The largest single item in any central heating system is the heat source, and whilst it will be still, in all likelihood a gas boiler, increasingly other sources are being specified. In this module we look briefly at the types of gas boiler as well as other sources of heat including heat pumps and solar panels.

Module 4: Hot water and hot water storage

Busy households generate a high demand for hot water, and whilst combi systems, which don’t store hot water, are the most popular system, there will still be numerous occasions when stored hot water is required. This module looks at both vented and unvented stored water solutions.

Module 5: Heat emitters

Heat emitters are usually the most visible part of a central heating system, and it is vital that they are sized and supplied correctly. This module looks at the types of heat emitter on the market and, in the case of steel panel radiators, looks at the how size and configuration can influence performance.

Module 6: Water treatment

If a central heating system is to perform efficiently over an extended period, the system water must be kept in good condition. This module looks at how and why water treatment is so important.

Assessment

Module 1: Domestic water systems

• Key Topics:
• Domestic Water Systems
• Tap, Mixing and Shower Performance
• Gravity Fed Hot Water System
• Pumped Gravity Shower Systems
• Pump Performance Characteristics
• Thermal Heatstore Units
• Unvented Hot Water System
• Gas Combi Boilers

Module 2: Sanitaryware & fittings

This module looks at the vast range of sanitaryware and fittings that are available and offers essential information which will allow the retailer, merchant and installer to provide items best suited to the end user needs, whilst the customer’s major considerations will be cost, functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Key Topics:

• What is Sanitaryware?
• Cisterns and Fittings
• Washbasins and Bidets
• Maintenance & FAQs

Module 3: Baths

This module looks at the vast range of baths available and offers essential information which will allow the Retailer, Merchant and Installer to provide items best suited to the end user needs, whilst the customer’s major considerations will be cost, functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Key Topics

• Types of Baths
• Installation
• FAQs

Module 4: Brassware

This module looks at the vast range of brassware available and offers essential information which will allow the Retailer, Merchant and Installer to provide items best suited to the end user needs, whilst the customer’s major considerations will be cost, functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Key Topics:

• Types of Taps and Mixers
• Mechanisms and Tap Operation
• Domestic Water Systems
• Commissioning and Common Fault Diagnosis
• FAQs

Module 5: Bathroom furniture

This module looks at the options available in fitted bathroom furniture and offers essential information which will allow the Retailer, Merchant and Installer to provide items best suited to the end user needs. Whilst the customer’s major considerations will be cost, functionality, durability and aesthetics, it is also essential to consider a number of important additional factors; available space, storage requirements and the materials used to manufacture the furniture and its suitability and compatibility with the bathing and/or showering suite within the bathroom.

Key Topics:

• Choosing the Right Bathroom Furniture
• Materials
• Design and Installation Solutions
• FAQs

Assessment

Module 1: Shower enclosures

Learn the ins and outs of shower enclosures, how to install them and the standards and regulations that must be met when doing so.

Module 2: Shower controls

There are 3 main types of shower, that we will look at in more detail in this module:

• Electric Instantaneous Showers
• Mixing Valves
• Power Showers

Module 3: Shower trays

There’s a vast range of shower trays that are available. Here, we’ll look at how to provide items best suited to your end user’s needs – considering things like cost, functionality, durability and aesthetics.

Module 4: Shower TMVs

With thermostatic mixing valves, it is essential to consider a number of important factors; available space, storage requirements, the materials used to manufacture the furniture and its suitability and compatibility with the bathing and/or showering suite within the bathroom.

Assessment

Module 1: Soil & waste

This short module will introduce you to soil and waste systems.

• Introduction to Soil & Waste Systems
  Key Components
  Building Regulations & Standards

Module 2: Rainwater

In this module we will cover the guttering profiles and products available for rainwater systems, how to calculate capacity, rainwater collection and also grey water recycling.

Module 3: Plumbing systems

This short module will introduce you to the internal pipework used to convey waste water to the soil and waste stack.

Assessment

Module 1: Introduction to drylining

In this module, you will learn about dry lining systems and be able to recommend the correct type of product for typical scenarios faced by your customers.

Module 2: Drylining for the low-rise residential sector

The low-rise residential sector covers new build private and public housing. Customers include regional developers (these might be local builders), national developers (large national companies who build a lot of homes), and also individuals.

This course will help you understand the different products that those customers may have questions about, so that you can provide advice and improve your service to them

Assessment

Module 1: Understanding the basics of landscaping

The module is designed to introduce you to the basics of landscaping and what should be considered before launching into a new project.

Module 2: Landscaping – health & safety

For everyone involved, it is important to recognise the risk and hazards associated with landscaping activities. By taking this module, you will learn about the key areas of risk and how to remain healthy and safe whilst carrying out your duties.

Module 3: Fencing & screening

In this course, you will learn all about fencing and screening. We will look at what the products are made from, how they are used and installed.

Module 4: Composite decking

In this course, you will learn all about composite decking. We will look at how the composite material is made, how it’s used and installed.

Module 5: Paving

In this short module, you will understand the basics of paving, how it’s made as well as the features and benefits and how it’s used.

Assessment

Module 1: Health and safety

This module gives an overall introduction to the subject of Health and Safety in the workplace.

Module 2: Manual handling

This module helps individuals to understand more about the risks associated with manual handling, how to undertake a risk assessment and how to ensure proper controls are in place.

Module 3: Fire safety

This module introduces you to key aspects of fire safety in the workplace.

Module 4: Working at height

To comply with Health & Safety regulations, all work at height must be properly planned and organised. This module identifies what constitutes working at height and covers the basics to ensure safe working.

Module 5: Introduction to first aid

This module will help you to answer some important questions relating to first aid at work. Note: this is an introduction to the topic and is not First Aider or Appointed Person training.

Module 6: Introduction to GDPR

This module looks at what GDPR is, the foundations it is built on and how it impacts businesses and organisations in practice.

Module 7: Cyber security

Whilst advances in technology bring advantages, we can all benefit from, they also present opportunities for criminal activity. This module looks at what some of these threats are and how to protect against them.

Module 8: Social media awareness

This module will take you through what social media is, how you can use it and how to stay safe whilst using it.

Module 9: PCI-DSS

All payment card transactions must follow the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). This module covers how the payment card system works and how to make sure you handle payments and payment card data securely.

Assessment

Module 1: A customer focus

This module encourages you to step into your customer’s shoes in ways you may not have considered before so that you can prepare your environment and yourself to deliver an excellent customer experience more of the time. We will use examples that are easy to relate to, and that are also easily linked back to your own customer environment.

Key Topics:

• The value of customer experience
• Creating a positive environment
• First impressions count
• Managing yourself

Module 2: Engaging and understanding your customers

Building on your learning from module 1, ‘A customer focus’, we re-cap the simple things that help you ensure the customer gets what they want and need, and help evolve your understanding and thinking so that you may deliver excellent customer experience more of the time.

Throughout this module we use examples that are easy to relate to, and that are also easily linked back to your own customer environment.

Key Topics:

• Engaging the customer
• Exploring and understanding needs
• Trying it on for size

Module 3: Helping the customer to buy

Working your way through this module will help you to better understand how to support customers’ buying decisions. Building on the previous two modules, we will focus on presenting solutions, moving towards the sale and engaging with their concerns.

Key Topics:

• What’s important to the customer?
• Presenting the full picture
• Asking to move forward
• Engaging with uncertainties
• Trying it on for size

Module 4: Essential telephone skills

This module focuses on the fact that we never get a second chance to create a positive first impression. It explores the key interactions with customers on the telephone and how each of these can be either a negative or positive customer experience, depending on how we approach them.

Key Topics:

• The first greeting
• Putting the caller on hold
• Call transfers and messages

Module 5: Handling customer complaints

Handling complaints is an inevitable part of dealing with customers. In this module, we look at how to get the best possible outcome – for the business and the customer.

Key Topics:

• A complaint is an opportunity
• What’s the company policy?
• Four steps to resolution

Module 1: Getting started with project management

In this module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of project management, including what a project manager does, what skills are necessary to the role and how to optimise a team’s potential. You’ll also learn how to develop plans for a successful project and what you should do once the project is complete. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to get started with project management.

Module 2: Improving your project management skills

In this module, you’ll explore the five most common mistakes that plague project management—and learn ways to counter each. Then you’ll discover ways to glean valuable feedback to improve your skills. Finally, you’ll learn how a mindset of continuous improvement benefits both your individual work experience and your team’s success.

Module 3: Change management for project management

This module will give you a solid understanding of change management for project managers. After a brief overview of what the change management process looks like, you’ll learn how to analyse impact and earn support from your team. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to implement project changes.

Module 4: Five strategies for managing scope

In this module, you’ll learn to define the scope for specific projects. Then, each subsequent lesson will cover an additional aspect of scope management. You’ll also get valuable strategies you can use when the scope you’ve defined looks as though it might spin out of control.

Module 5: Communication strategies for project managers

In this module you’ll explore strategies project managers use to improve communication. These range from individual methods to team-wide efforts that will elevate your team’s ability to share information. By the final lesson, you’ll be ready to develop effective communication plans for your projects.

Module 6: Successful reporting for project managers

In this module, you’ll learn how to develop and implement project reporting. You’ll also discover how to create effective plans, control progress and even foresee possible challenges. And by the end of the module, you’ll understand how savvy reporting can elevate the work you and your team do.

Module 7: Project management scheduling

Scheduling out your project is one way to prevent a project from going off the rails – helping you organise tasks, clarify expectations and alleviate stress. In this module, you’ll learn scheduling basics and discover how to develop an effective project schedule. You’ll also explore specific techniques and strategies you can use to improve your scheduling skills.

Module 8: Mastering project management frameworks

In this course, you’ll learn what project frameworks are and how they benefit project managers. You’ll also explore specific types of frameworks that are popular in the field. Finally, you’ll learn how to choose the right frameworks for your projects. By the end of the module, you’ll have a better idea of which frameworks can boost your team’s productivity.

Assessment