Learning shaped around the products merchants sell.
The building materials supply chain has specific product knowledge and development needs. Building Blocks gives it accessible, structured learning on the topics that matter most — from construction materials to customer service.
The courses support employees at every stage of their career, helping them build product knowledge, improve customer service and develop a stronger understanding of construction materials and their applications.
See BMF Campus in action.
A short introduction to BMF Campus, the platform that delivers Building Blocks to merchants across the industry.
Thirteen building blocks, one complete foundation.
From residential construction to project management, each module focuses on a core area of merchant knowledge.
- 01
Introduction to Residential Construction
The stages of residential building, planning and building regulations, structural elements, bricks and blocks, cement, plaster and associated components.
- 02
Heating & Hot Water Comfort
Central heating systems, controls, boilers, heat pumps, solar technologies, hot water storage, heat emitters and water treatment.
- 03
Building Insulation
Insulation principles, regulations, materials and their application to walls, roofs and floors.
- 04
Working Safely & Securely
Workplace health and safety, manual handling, fire safety, working at height, first aid, GDPR and cybersecurity.
- 05
Timber as a Building Material
Timber knowledge, sustainable sourcing, timber-frame construction, roofing, internal timber, carcassing and joinery.
- 06
Introduction to Bathrooms
Bathroom products, components and the knowledge needed to understand product choices and customer requirements.
- 07
Landscaping
Landscaping fundamentals, health and safety, fencing and screening, composite decking and paving.
- 08
An Introduction to Drylining
Drylining systems, products and fixing techniques — selecting suitable solutions for typical customer requirements.
- 09
Domestic Showering
Product knowledge around domestic showering systems, components and their applications.
- 10
Above Ground Drainage
Soil and waste systems, rainwater goods, pipework, fittings and drainage components used in buildings.
- 11
Customer Care
Communication skills, understanding customer needs, adding value, handling complaints and seeking feedback.
- 12
Project Management
Planning, organising resources, managing budgets and timescales, monitoring progress and delivering projects successfully.
- 13
RoofingNew
A comprehensive introduction to roofing products, applications and customer requirements for everyone who sells, specifies, sources or supplies roofing. Learners get to grips with product selection and usage requirements, helping to reduce costly returns and recommend complementary products that improve customer outcomes and sales.
How the programme benefits the industry.
Industry-specific knowledge
Technical understanding of the products and materials used throughout the building supply chain.
Practical application
Helps employees advise customers, understand product uses and make better-informed recommendations.
Structured development
Supports apprentices, new starters and experienced employees looking to expand their knowledge.
Measurable learning
Every module includes assessments, so learners and employers can monitor progress and achievement.
Professional recognition
Building Block courses are CPD accredited, recognising their professional learning value.
Building Block courses are CPD accredited
Independently assessed against recognised professional standards.
CPD accreditation gives learners and employers added assurance that the training delivers meaningful, measurable learning outcomes.
For the suppliers who contribute their technical expertise, accreditation adds credibility — positioning product education as a genuine part of workforce competence and continuing professional development.
"Achieving CPD accreditation for the majority of our Building Block courses is a fantastic accomplishment and demonstrates our commitment to delivering training that is both relevant and professionally recognised."
"It provides additional value for learners, employers and suppliers alike, while further strengthening the role of BMF Campus as the industry's leading online learning platform."
Register your interest
Tell us a little about your organisation and we'll be in touch to talk through what a tailored Totara platform could look like for you.
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A member of the Cortexa team will follow up shortly to talk through BMF Campus and the Building Blocks programme.