British Coatings Federation launches five-year careers plan to tackle skills shortage

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has launched a five-year careers outreach plan working with its member companies to raise awareness of the UK coatings industry as a career choice. 

The ‘Coat Your Future’ campaign was launched at the BCF’s 2025 Annual Conference on 5th June in Kenilworth.

A BCF survey in 2024 found that 56% of coatings employers struggled to find candidates with relevant industry knowledge. 

Low public awareness was also a problem, with 88% of employers saying lack of sector visibility was a major barrier to recruitment.

To tackle this, the BCF set up the Coatings NextGen Council (CNGC) in April 2024, led by careers coordinator Leah Elvin. 

The CNGC has taken on careers outreach, mentoring, digital content and advising on the BCF’s strategy from a younger person’s point of view.

From autumn 2025, the CNGC and BCF members will roll out the ‘Coat Your Future’ campaign at careers fairs, exhibitions and interactive events, aiming to reach students making key decisions about their futures.

The BCF is also helping members link up with schools and colleges, encouraging them to promote the industry locally.