Skills Shortages
The finishes and interiors sector provides employment to around 250,000 people in the UK, annual recruitment to sustain this workforce is estimated to be over 2,500 workers. Changes in the immigration system means recruitment of domestic workers must increase by around 300% over the next 12 months – the infrastructure and processes to deliver need time to scale up and evolve.
FIS has repeatedly raised concerns that the points based immigration system fails to recognise core trades as “skilled workers”, lacks flexibility and has not factored in the impact of COVID on “shortages” in the sector. It is not currently equipped to support evolution in the sector.
By July 2021 61% of FIS members were reporting shortages of skilled workers, particularly in the areas of Dry lining, Ceiling Fixing, Carpentry and Joinery and Plastering.
The latest FIS Statement and submission to the Home Office on Skills Shortages can be viewed here
Access the FIS Right to Work Toolkit here
How the FIS and its community are attacking Skills Shortages
FIS is running a number of programmes to help attack the skills shortage in the finishes and interiors sector. They need your involvement:
Find and induct the next generation of dryliners with a FULLY FUNDED FIS BuildBack Programme
Through the FIS BuildBack programme, businesses have the opportunity to run fully funded drylining training camps.
FIS BuildBack includes a recruitment and assessment process, two weeks of induction training and funds the tools, HS&E Test and provisional CSCS card needed for the two week work placement that is built in. The entire programme is fully funded via the Government’s Bootcamp programme and is light touch for employers (the recruitment and training is all done through the bootcamp process).
We are planning to run co-horts across the UK, so if you want to get involved and look at offering work placements get in touch. If there is nothing local in the pipeline, for cohorts of 10-15 plus we can set up a bespoke BuildBack, but even if can’t offer this many placements, we can liaise with other local employers to build that critical mass.
There is no obligation to employ at the end, the programme supports engagement via CIS and full support is given to assist with supporting the candidate through to a vocational qualification if appropriate.
To find out more contact Marie on 0121 707 0077 or email marieflinter@thefis.org
Need help to upskill your workforce or to check you are getting all the funding you are entitled to?
FIS members can access a range of specialist courses, VQ Funding offers and exclusive training discounts. Why not book a FREE FIS one-to-one Skills and Funding Clinic to ensure you are accessing all the funding available to support your efforts.
Thinking of taking on an apprentice? FIS is here to help
Apprenticeships are key to building the pipeline of skilled workers in the Finishes and Interiors Sector. With a range of apprenticeships available and funding support from both Central Government, Local Funding and the CITB complex to navigate, FIS can offer FREE specialist one to one support help you to work out your options, recruit candidates and identify training providers who can help you to get started or keep going. See our Apprenticeships – Guidance for Employers for more information, email Apprentice Help! with your contact details to info@thefis.org or simply call FIS on 0121 707 007
Making use of Sector Based Work Academies
Sector-based work academies (SWAP) are another DWP Funded programme that can support individuals transitioning into a new field of work. They provide training and education for those currently receiving unemployment benefits. The goal is to equip them with the skills...
Government Focus on UK Recruitment
In a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has set out plans to reduce net migration in favour of sectors “sourc[ing] the skills they need here at home”. Promising a new approach that “links migration policy and visa controls to...
Supporting your recruitment and getting ahead of labour shortages
With new home building targets and a pent up pipeline of high rise residential and commercial projects, the respite from labour shortages in the sector are likely to be short lived. FIS is exploring two interventions that can support members in finding work ready...