The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has joined a coalition of leading construction and built environment organisations in signing an open letter to the Prime Minister, urging the Government to suspend proposed apprenticeship reforms that risk undermining skills, competence, and safety standards across the sector.
The letter, coordinated by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), expresses serious concern over plans by Skills England to shorten apprenticeship durations to as little as eight months and introduce new assessment methods that could weaken quality assurance and consistency. Industry leaders warn that these reforms could dismantle established routes to competence, erode employer confidence, and threaten the delivery of safe, high-quality construction at a time when the UK faces an ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes.
FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana, said:
“These reforms represent a race to the bottom at a time when our sector is working harder than ever to build competence, professionalism, and trust. Apprenticeships must be driven by industry – not diluted by process. If we are serious about quality, safety, and long-term productivity, we cannot afford to weaken the very foundation of skills development.”
The coalition is calling for the Government to:
- Suspend the implementation of the proposed apprenticeship reforms.
- Re-establish meaningful collaboration with industry trailblazer groups to ensure apprenticeship standards reflect real workplace competence.
- Align training and assessment approaches with the Building Safety Act and the work of the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).
FIS continues to work closely with partners across construction to promote robust training and qualification pathways that ensure every individual entering the sector is equipped with the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to build safely and competently.