Students who have recently received their A-level results are being encouraged to consider a job in merchanting.

Last week, A-level students were awarded the high proportion of A and A* grades since 2012, despite changes being made to toughen exams.

And for those unsure about what is next, Brian Blanchard, Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (pictured), urges young people to consider the many different training and career opportunities within the builders’ merchant industry.

Blanchard said that there are many options in the industry for learning and development, such as apprenticeships, further education and training. There is also financial support available to those who need assistance with funding.

Blanchard called builders’ merchanting an “extremely fun, well-paid and rewarding industry” with roles varying from finance, marketing and IT through to store management, commercial, and sales.

He said: “Compared with other industries, the range of jobs is enormous and the opportunities for learning new skills are excellent.

“Many in our industry have worked their way up, acquiring skills, qualifications and experience on the way to run some of the largest companies in the UK.”

Julia Evans, Chief Executive of the Building Services Research and Information Association, has also welcomed students considering further study in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, which she says “form the building blocks” of a career in construction or engineering.

She said: “BSRIA wholeheartedly acknowledges the hard work and achievement of those receiving A-level and AS level results and congratulates all students for their grades. All of which is good news for science subjects and the star engineers of the future.

“Engineering and construction present a vast range of careers and roles at all levels – from graduates, engineers, architects, surveyors and established chartered memberships – to technical tradesmen and the full spectrum in between.”