The FIS skills team will be showcasing its flagship BuildBack programme at Tyne Metropolitan College’s open day on 10 April. This will provide an opportunity to celebrate the success of the first pilot scheme which has taken place in Newcastle.

The demand for a place on the BuildBack programme has been excellent with more than 30 people applying for the initial 10 places. Trainee selection has now started for the second pilot and the skills team will be looking to extend the scheme to other fit-out skills and to other areas of the country.

Working in collaboration with CITB and in partnership with Tyne Metropolitan College, Jobcentre Plus and Dry Lining & Plastering Training Forum (DLPTF), the programme is designed to provide opportunities for job seekers who are serious about developing a career in drylining. Trainees complete a two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP) in drylining at Tyne Metropolitan College to develop the skills and competencies required, followed by two weeks’ work placement on-site with a local employer. All trainees will be offered at least one job interview and those who secure full-time employment with an employer will have their fees paid for ongoing training to NVQ Level 2 in drylining. In addition, each trainee will receive free personal protective equipment (PPE) from Encon Group and obtain their CSCS card.

Paul Glover, BuildBack project manager said “Now that the SUP and work experience elements of the BuildBack programme have been completed for the first cohort, I was delighted to hear that one member of the team has already been offered a job with the employer he was placed with. This shows that the BuildBack programme works and I’m now looking forward to hearing how the rest of the of the trainees proceed during the interview stage.”

FIS president Steve Coley and MP for North Tyneside, Mary Glindon, will be attending the BuildBack open day. Along with representatives from our partnerships and local employers, they will experience first-hand the trainees putting their drylining training into practice.

To download the BuildBack brochures and watch the progress videos, click here.