by Clair Mooney | 19 Jan, 2023 | Skills
Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from CITB reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027.
CITB’s annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that:
• 224,900 extra workers (44,980 a year) will be needed to meet UK construction demand between now and 2027
• Construction output is set to grow for all nations and regions, however, recession is expected in 2023 with slow growth returning in 2024
• The major sectors for demand are: – private housing – infrastructure – repair and maintenance
• If projected growth is met, by 2027 the number of people working in construction will be 2.67m
The report highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers despite the current economic uncertainty. As a result, recruitment, training, development and upskilling remain major priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.
CITB is responding by investing in apprenticeships, launching a range of targeted initiatives and working collaboratively with industry, to help the construction sector have a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive said:
“The latest CSN report clearly shows that despite current economic uncertainty, recruiting and developing the workforce remains vital to ensure the industry can contribute to economic growth.
We know the next 18 months won’t be easy, however, I remain inspired by the construction industry’s resilience shown in the pandemic and throughout 2022.
In short, it makes clear that the need to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater. Whether that’s for building the homes the country needs, constructing energy and transport infrastructure or retrofitting the built environment to help drive down energy bills and meet net zero targets.
To bolster industry’s resilience, CITB will strive to attract and train a diverse range of recruits for industry, equipping them with modern skills for rewarding construction careers. I look forward to working with and supporting industry and stakeholders in the challenging times ahead and to emerging stronger when the recession ends.”
To help directly address these challenges and maximise the opportunities which will arise, CITB has invested almost £50m of Levy to support over 22,000 apprentices to help them join the industry; while grants have helped support over 16,000 learners to complete their qualifications.
Direct funding has provided grants over 269,000 training courses and in total £97m has been invested in grant funding by CITB, to make it as easy as possible for employers to recruit and retain their skilled workforce.
CITB continues to provide targeted support to SMEs through grant and funding and through support in accessing training and funding. Since April 2022, CITB’s engagement team has supported SMEs on 26,976 occasions, supporting them to continue to train during the current economic uncertainty.
CITB also offers funding aimed specifically at smaller companies such as the Skills and Training Fund. Companies with fewer than 250 PAYE employees can access up to £25,000 annually (depending on their size). By the end of quarter two 2022, £3.9m had been invested in companies via this fund.
CITB’s Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities (SACO) commission has awarded £1.3m across the Highlands and Islands; while England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission has awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers, by promoting work experience for new entrants to the industry.
Experience Hubs across England and Wales are creating a talent pipeline to meet the needs of local construction employers and to support construction career opportunities for people from local communities.
Further CITB initiatives range from localised solutions for funding and training like our employer network pilot project, available to more than 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses across five locations in England, Scotland and Wales; to a £10.5m Leadership and Management commission which will provide funded courses for businesses of all sizes to equip supervisors and managers with a recognised Leadership and Management qualification.
Training remains a key focus, which is why CITB has invested in National Construction College (NCC) sites, to meet the industry’s specialist training needs. By focusing the curriculum on unmet demand, we are looking to build capacity for the industry, which has resulted in a 25% increase in the number of people trained to date. Our data shows that 96% of CITB apprentices have secured employment or progressed in education, with over 90% remaining in the sector.
Tim Balcon concluded:
“This coordinated and comprehensive approach to helping recruit, train, develop and upskill talent, whilst continuing to work collaboratively with industry and stakeholders means CITB will continue to play a central role in supporting an industry that is a key driver of the UK economy through these challenging times.”
by Clair Mooney | 13 Jan, 2023 | Skills
National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 6 to 12 February 2023 and the theme for this year has been unveiled as Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills
The week will focus on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. We are calling on employers, training providers, individuals and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife.
From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, the week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife. We are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.
To support National Apprenticeship Week 2023 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help build #SkillsforLife. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for the week.
You can keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week 2023 updates by following @Apprenticeships on Twitter and Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2023 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.
To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.
by Clair Mooney | 13 Jan, 2023 | Skills
Labour and skills shortages, and an aging workforce remain a key issue for the finishes and interiors sector. There is also a growing requirement to demonstrate competence. To this end FIS is conducting a census of its workforce via its Skills Pulse Survey. This census will provide vital data to help understand where we are at now, target resources, support representational work and provide a framework for organisations to benchmark, and FIS to measure impact and progress.
It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete this survey and the closing date for responses is Friday 17 February 2023.
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Technical
Government is consulting on the removal of national classifications as a way of demonstrating compliance with the guidance given with Approved Document B, Fire.
Construction products offering fire resistance (walls, ceilings, doors and floors) can be tested using either BS476 or BSEN 1364 tests depending on the products and other attributes such as load bearing, and this change will require all fire performance claims to be substantiated using BS EN 1364 tests.
So that FIS can provide a considered response to the consultation, we are interested in your views so we can gauge the impact of these changes and respond collectively. You can respond directly to us by answering the questions, here. responses are required no later than Monday 13 February.
If you have any questions, please email joecilia@thefis.org or call 07795 958780.
A copy of the full consultation can be read here
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Technical
In a recent revised announcement UK Government confirmed that the deadline for ending recognition of the CE mark has been extended to 30 June 2025. This was welcome news ahead of the New Year, albeit at the eleventh hour as it alleviated any concerns around immediate availability of product. Guidance published in the New Year to clarify the position indicates a reversal of policy on recognition of EU test and assessments at ACVP 3 level and may open the flood gates to re-testing of existing product being imported. The guidance offers an amnesty that there will be no enforcement on anyone who has or is in the process of making the transition to UKCA marking using EU Test data.
Commenting on the changes, FIS Iain McIlwee stated:
“It feels like three steps forward and two back. This reversal of policy around recognition creates more uncertainty and an unusual situation where Government has written legislation, aspects of which it does not intend to enforce (at this stage), however, it leaves us with more questions than answers and we have simply kicked the can down the road. We can only hope that this is part of a wider strategy and the negotiations ongoing have re-opened the door to mutual recognition which is what we have been calling for from the outset”.
You can read the full guidance from government here
To help with planning, FIS has updated its Conformity Marking – How-to guidance note. This can be downloaded here.
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Contractual and Legal, Lens Blog, Main News Feed
FIS Consultant Len Bunton looks at the Contractors Right of Suspension and the process that should be followed.
These monthly Blogs are designed to help FIS Members avoid common traps and build on our focus on collective experience. They share ideas about improving the commercial management of your contracts. In other words, instilling best practice into the way FIS members run and manage their business. What I have endeavored to suggest is ways to ensure you get paid on time, and what you are due.
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Main News Feed
The The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has published the Holiday Entitlement 2023 with guidance on annual and public/bank holidays that apply under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement. There will be an additional bank holiday on Monday 8 May 2023 to mark the King’s coronation.
by Clair Mooney | 5 Jan, 2023 | Main News Feed
FIS has met with the New Hospital Programme to understand how its members can support this ambitious programme effectively. The commitment to build new hospitals forms part of the Government’s wider Health Infrastructure Plan, a long term, rolling programme of strategic investment in health and care buildings, estates, and equipment. The Government has committed to build 40 new hospitals by 2030 and together with eight previously announced schemes, this will mean 48 hospitals delivered by the end of the decade. The new hospitals will result in outdated infrastructure being replaced by facilities for both staff and patients that are on the cutting edge of modern technology, innovation and sustainability. Further details on the NHP can be found here.
Jonathan Hall from the Supply Markets Management Team stated:
“This is an ambitious programme and we are keen to work more closely with the supply chain and through organisations such as FIS to ensure that we are delivering value in all ways in a more collaborative and open way”.
As part of this new approach, the NHP inviting FIS members to respond to a Market Sounding Briefing and Questionnaire regarding the NHP’s ambition to deliver programmatic benefits through the standardisation of components that are common across hospitals.
We are seeking market feedback exploring potential opportunities, understanding existing challenges and ‘blockers’ to enable efficiencies and standardisation of components in a healthcare setting for second fix items including;
- Internal doors
- Wall partitions
- Ceiling tiles
- Lighting units
- Air handling units
- Flooring
Further components are being considered as part of an iterative approach to standardisation and we anticipate seeking further market feedback in due course.
The information the NHP’s receives during this market sounding exercise will be used to inform NHP’s strategy and further development of our plans for delivery. Feedback will also be used to inform, validate, and refine our emerging approach to modern methods of construction across the programme.
The link to the market sounding briefing and questionnaire can be found here. To encourage further responses to this Market Sounding Questionnaire, the NHP has extended the deadline for responses until 5pm on 20 January 2023. The NHP thanks all those who have reviewed and responded to the Market Sounding to date.
Please do also feel free to contact the team directly at nhp.suppliers@nhs.net should you have further questions or queries in relation to the Programme.
by Clair Mooney | 22 Dec, 2022 | Main News Feed, Material Shortages
Construction Product Availability: 21 December 2022
Statement from John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group.
Overall product availability is good and returning to pre-Covid levels, while some bricks, blocks, plasterboard and roofing products are occasionally still subject to disruption or allocation. Despite this, lead times for these products are now far lower than earlier in the year.
The availability of gas boilers and other products containing semi-conductors and electrical components remains the most problematic in terms of supply, as sub-component manufacturers operating in a highly competitive global market continue to experience restricted supply. In addition, the electro-technical sector has highlighted a new area of concern regarding the supply of solar and environmental products, with difficulty identifying those coming from Chinese manufacturers with the proper accreditation. This is a growing product area with increasing demand, so the UK construction industry is challenged to ensure such products are of the proper standard and quality.
Timber availability is good with further reductions in prices due to the large amount of stock already in the UK and reduced shipping costs. The one issue for timber centres on birch plywood which, due to sanctions, cannot be legally sourced from Russia. With limited supplies available from Latvia and Finland, we advise speaking to plywood suppliers regarding alternatives.
Shipping lead times from the Far East are improving, though China is now experiencing rising Covid rates following the relaxation of their lockdown regulations which may lead to more bottlenecks. However, with a surplus of containers in China and container rates generally down by 80% from their peak, this is a great improvement.
Price inflation for products has slightly moderated across the board this month, but looking ahead, rising energy and wage costs are expected to put significant upward pressure on prices in the New Year. In particular, manufacturers of energy-intensive products (such as bricks, cement, glass, insulation and plasterboard) warn that although many have been able to hedge energy costs through Q1 of 2023, energy prices in Q2 and Q3 are expected to be considerably above historical (pre-Ukraine war) levels without further Government support. Several plaster, plasterboard and insulation manufacturers have notified there will be double-digit inflationary increases in the New Year.
Against this, a gradual slowing of demand for construction products across most sub-sectors over the last three months of 2022 has helped ease the pressures on product supply. Most industry forecasts project further declines in demand in 2023 although some sub-sectors will fare better than others. With less strain on the supply chain, general product availability should have an opportunity to recover further.
For all the work FIS is doing around inflation and availability, including recommended contractual terms click here
by Clair Mooney | 16 Dec, 2022 | Sustainability
We are delighted to commend to you the first in a new series of newsletters from the Link Consortium. The Link Consortium brings together experts in building materials reuse (including FIS) looking at how the sector can adopt latest artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to provide rapid listing software to help increase reuse of used construction materials and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
This project, funded by InnovateUK, was launched in October 2022.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Dec, 2022 | Main News Feed
National Construction College East in Bircham Newton has an Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship training course starting on Monday 06 February 2023. The course content is outlined below:
| The course will cover practical principles in: |
Apprentices will learn basic skills, knowledge and awareness in: |
Plus, there is a focus on personal skills in: |
- Drylining and partitions
- Linings and encasements
- Suspended ceilings
- Demountable partitions
- Working at height
- Small tools operation
- Manual handling.
|
- Interpreting information
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Construction elements
- Effective communication
- Building information modelling (BIM)
- Basic project management
- Site communication
- Health and safety.
|
- Mathematics
- English
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- Time management
- Personal organisation
|
For more information or to arrange a visit of the training centre, contact the centre directly via the methods below.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Dec, 2022 | Skills
FIS is working with CITB to develop training standards for the finishes and interiors sector, these standards will attract Grant Eligible Training, GET code support per candidate as follows:
- Tier 1 £30
- Tier 2 £70
- Tier 3 £120
FIS has been requested to seek subject matter experts to populate standards with the following titles:
TS0200 Grant Tier 1 British Gypsum Site Managers Certificate Interior Systems Installation (title will probably change to Interior Systems Site Managers Certificate)
TS0203 Grant Tier 2 Ceiling Fixing Installation
TS1966 Grant Tier 2 Introduction to setting out and installation of lay in grid systems
TS0198 Grant Tier 1 Movable Partitioning Installation
TS1963 Grant Tier 2 The design and selection of correct systems (acoustic/fire/loading and penetrations)
TS1965 Grant Tier 2 The introduction to identifying laying grid suspended ceiling systems
TS1967 Grant Tier 2 The repairs and alterations of laying grid system and various types of ceiling tiles
TS1490 Grant Tier 2 Producing Internal Solid Finishes
TS1491 Grant Tier 2 Producing External Render Finishes
TS1492 Grant Tier 2 Applying Plasters to Complex Internal Surfaces
TS1498 Grant Tier 2 Producing Specialist Plastering Finishes
TS1505 Grant Tier 2 Applying Projection Plaster and Maintaining Equipment
If you would like to get involved in this work, potentially one day of your time in the new year, please email George Swann georgeswann@thefis.org or if you would like discuss in more detail call George on 07553 874383.
by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2022 | Skills
FIS is supporing a project being led by Hire Association Europe, to provide FIS members the opportunity to experience training delivered using virtual reality (VR). pHAEton is a VR app for mobile phones and tablets and the following modules, applicable to the operations of the sector are currently available:
| ● Cordless Drill |
● Hand-Arm Vibration |
| ● Cut-off Saw |
● Materials Hoist |
| ● Dangers of Dust, Silica and Asbestos |
● Mental Health at Work |
| ● Dust Extraction |
● Reciprocating Saw |
| ● Electrical Safety |
● Safe Use of Ladders |
| ● Environment |
● Working At Height (Alloy Tower) |
| ● Generators |
|
Each module explores the essentials of safe tool and equipment using interactive puzzles, and each one finishes with a short multiple-choice knowledge test.
The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices and can be run on tablets or using the cardboard headset with a mobile phone for a more virtual experience. Users will be able to provide feedback at a later date.
Search for pHAEton on either the App Store or Google Play
For full access to the app and all of the modules you will require a username and password to get these send an email to fisvr@hae.org.uk including the names and email addresses for all users. Please ensure you include your postal address and we will send a Cardboard VR headset in the post.
by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2022 | Skills
Last chance to register your sites for Open Doors 2023
FIS Supports Open Doors, run on behalf of the industry by Build UK. There is now just one month to go until booking opens for Open Doors visitors on Monday 9 January. Recruiting the next generation is vital if we are to maintain the pipeline of talent coming into the industry, and Open Doors is one of the best ways to show young people the fantastic work we do! Please upload all your sites, factories, offices and other facilities on the Open Doors website as soon as possible and start promoting them to potential visitors in the local area.
Students from Walsall College visited HS2’s Long Itchington Wood Tunnel site last month to kickstart the countdown to Open Doors and 16‐year‐old Ethan said:
“If someone else had the chance [to go on site during Open Doors], I’d say definitely go for it. It gives you a really great insight into all the opportunities and careers, and there’s excellent people to speak to that can recommend any path to you within construction!”.
This short video from the event shows just how we can inspire people across the country to choose a career in construction. Open Doors will run from Monday 13 ‐ Saturday 18 March.
by Clair Mooney | 2 Dec, 2022 | Building Safety Act, Technical
Meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the first cornerstone of compliance. There are a number of Approved Documents for England which provide guidance and Approved Document (AD) B1 and B2 provide specific advice for Dwellings (B1) and Buildings other than Dwellings (B2)
On 1 December 2022 the Government reissued ADB1 and ADB2 to incorporate the amendments in 2020 and 2022.
The Department responsible for these approved documents, The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), issued a Circular letter concerning revisions to Approved Document B and circular letter 02/2022. This provides further revisions made to correct errors made during amendment process earlier this year. The letter provides the original text plus the revised text which will come into force on 1 December 2022.
To view this circular letter, please click here.
by Clair Mooney | 29 Nov, 2022 | Sustainability
The construction sector has taken a number of significant steps towards net zero according to data published today. At COP26 last year, the Construction Leadership Council launched its CO2nstruct Zero programme, with associated measures to track carbon reduction activities, and challenge the industry to improve in nine key areas.
The first annual review of progress sets out the evidence that UK construction is playing a leading role in cutting carbon.
The annual CO2nstruct Zero Performance Dashboard shows that the last 12 months has seen the sector:
• Train more than 500 retrofit co-ordinators, with associated business accreditation
• Connect 55,000 heat pumps by 4,100 trained & registered installers
• Deliver a 33 per cent increase in EV charging points
• Include carbon literacy in professional qualifications
Alongside these targeted measures, the CO2nstruct Zero network has grown rapidly, with more than 200 organisations now established as Business Champions and Partners under the programme. This network has played a crucial role in supporting carbon reduction policy development, feeding into UK Government work on retrofit and energy security, as well as developing its own detailed plans including a route map to cut diesel usage on sites.
Flavie Lowres, FIS Sustainability Champion said:
It was great to attend the CLC meeting to see the positive steps that are being made and the enthusiasm for change. The opportunity for the FIS members is great, but we do need to be cautious that this isn’t another false green dawn and that we see the principles cascade through to the work on the ground. We need strong collaboration to set the supply chain up to succeed. This came out strongly in the discussion as we focus on making sustainability a habit linked to effective procurement, productivity and resource management.
Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair and Construction Minister Nusrat Ghani MP said:
“We have decarbonised our economy faster than any country in the G20 and remain fully committed to supporting the construction industry in achieving its decarbonisation commitments through initiatives like Construct Zero.
“This report demonstrates the positive start our construction industry is making in the fight against climate change. I look forward to working with the CLC to accelerate progress in the years to come.”
Construction Leadership Council Deputy Co-Chair Richard Robinson said:
“Last year we asked the industry to join us on a journey towards a lower carbon future, and the response has been very encouraging”.
“We must now build on this momentum, pushing ahead with pace and purpose in 2023 as we continue to play a leading role in getting the UK to net zero.”
by Clair Mooney | 28 Nov, 2022 | Health and Safety
he Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has released a guidance document on the provision of welfare facilities on construction sites, following frequent reports of poor hygiene and sanitation.
The guidance outlines what HSE Construction Inspectors require from building site managers. It includes their duties, information on the regulations, and guidance on interpreting standards.
The guidance document covers:
- sanitation in toilets and cleaning areas
- privacy for men and women
- adequate space, lighting, and ventilation
- how many cubicles/ urinals/ washbasins for the number of workers
Members can download guidance here.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Nov, 2022 | Contractual and Legal, Lens Blog, Main News Feed
FIS Consultant Len Bunton looks at the recently released report published by Kings College London – 2022 Construction Adjudication in the United Kingdom: Tracing trends and guiding reform – which provides a good snapshot of current trends.
These monthly Blogs are designed to help FIS Members avoid common traps and build on our focus on collective experience. They share ideas about improving the commercial management of your contracts. In other words, instilling best practice into the way FIS members run and manage their business. What I have endeavored to suggest is ways to ensure you get paid on time, and what you are due.
by Clair Mooney | 24 Nov, 2022 | Main News Feed
Independent Fire Training Ltd has taken the next steps as part of their competency framework to further develop three of their existing courses into formal Ofqual regulated qualifications and are excited to introduce the new courses and qualification delivery from January 2023. All candidates sitting these courses and passing the theory and practical assessments will receive a formal qualification, the first of their types within the industry!
FIS has partnered with Independent Fire Training to offer all members a 10% discount on these new qualifications for courses purchased before 1 January 2023.
- Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Stopping Installations
- Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire-Rated Ductwork and Damper Installations
- Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire-Rated Steel Intumescent Coating Installations
There are course dates scheduled for 2023. If yor are interested in booking, contact Independent Fire Training on 01522 904189 Opt1, email info@thefiretraining.co.uk or take a look at the website www.thefiretraining.co.uk
With the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the supporting legislation upcoming, there has never been more of a focus on the competency of those working in fire safety roles and responsible positions within the industry. In line with this, the decision was made to further improve these courses and have them regulated as qualifications, to support the recognition of competency requirements within the industry.
by Clair Mooney | 24 Nov, 2022 | Skills
There are currently three employer vacancies for members of the FIS Skills Board. The role involves contributing information that will direct FIS in the support needed for the finishes and interiors sector to ensure a competent and safe workforce.
We are looking for employer representatives from installing organisations that can join discussion on the skills needed by the sector so that we can prioritise activities and focus on the areas of greatest concern.
The commitment is four, two-to-three hour meetings per year where we explain the information FIS has and ask for your input. For more information, a copy of the Terms of Reference or an informal chat please contact George Swann on 07553 874383 or email georgeswann@thefis.org or Marie Flinter on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org
