Approaching 700,000 of students collected exam results today (18 August).  This included A and AS levels, level 3 vocational and technical qualifications as well as the new T’Levels – so far over 425,000 of these students have been confirmed places at University, but many others will be considering what next.

A collective effort to promoting careers in the finishes and interiors sector
Now is a vital time for employers to step up and get the message out there that the £10 billion Finishes and Interiors Sector, a sector that employs around 280,000 people is a dynamic part of construction and offers a range of opportunities.  This is our opportunity to champion that we are a credible choice, that we create the interior spaces and carry out the finishing that turns a structure into a home, hospital, cinema, hotel or school, basically we put the wow into buildings.   We need to make sure that those looking to step into the world of work know that there are opportunities to train for a trade in as an Interior Installer, Plasterer, Dryliner, Carpenter and Joiner, Ceiling Fixer etc.  We also need Designers, Building Information Modellers, Surveyors, Contract Supervisors and Project Managers as well as all the other array of roles that support the construction process, from IT through to commercial.

A new opportunity through T-Levels
One group to highlight is that 1,029 students received their T-Level results with 207 of these being in “Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction”.   This is the first batch of T-Level graduates who have completed the new 2-year courses.  These qualifications are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels, but offer a more sectoral and vocational focus.  The qualification combines study with a substantial industry placement so that students gain the skills and valuable workplace experience they need to progress into a job, further study or an apprenticeship.

What should employers do
Every great career starts with a job!  FIS is recommending all members use the TalentView Construction service to promote any opportunities and jobs available through your business.  As well as providing a free job board that is being heavily promoted to school leavers, this service automatically links with the National Apprenticeship Service and ensures that young people have the best possible chance of seeing your vacancy through any career advice that they receive.  Consider also making contact with your local college or sixth forms to ensure that they know of any vacancies that you have available that could be communicated to prospective candidates and also reach out to your local Department of Work and Pensions and ensure that all of the local support is being utilised.

So whether you are looking to hunt down a T-Level graduate or are keen to take on a recent school or college lever on as a trainee, apprentice or even offer to sponsor a candidate through their degree there are a range of tools that FIS and others have made available to support a collective effort that helps to present more consistently a dynamic sector full of opportunities.

For top tips and support in promoting careers in the sector visit the Recruitment and Induction section on our website that includes links to useful resources or contact the FIS via telephone 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org.

Targeting school leavers in 2023 and beyond
Effectively targeting the 700,000 annual school leavers and inspiring young people to think about a career in construction is critical.  To support you in this work the STEM Construction and Built Environment Ambassador programme provides vital training, tools and support, giving you confidence that the message is right and we are working (and learning) consistently as a sector.  Becoming an ambassador will also plug you in to the STEM network and will open up opportunities to visit schools and careers fairs.

Ambassadors play an essential role in inspiring young people to think about a career in construction through a range of activities, these include school presentations, careers talks and mentoring.  If you are interested in becoming a STEM Construction and Built Environment Ambassador, you can find out more by joining our webinar, register here .  Remember you are not alone and we are here to help.  At FIS we have members of our team who have completed the training and are actively working as ambassadors, we are maintaining a network of ambassadors and are using this network to better understand how to target our approach and to develop resources.  More on construction ambassadors here

If you are interested in offering T-Level industrial placement in 2022/2023 please email info@thefis.org and we will make the necessary introductions.