Clair Mooney

Government introduces temporary change to fit notes

by Clair Mooney | 21 Dec, 2021 | Main News Feed

The government has introduced temporary changes to the rules on the requirement for employees to provide proof of sickness to try to reduce the workload of GP’s as they focus on the booster vaccination programme.

Where an employee goes off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days. The temporary change will apply to absences which begin on any day up to and including 26 January 2022 but the usual 7 day rule will apply to absences which start from 27 January onwards.

This change applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

For the latest guidance for employers on COVID-19 click here

FIS Employment & Workforce Management Toolkit

FIS members can access a range of services to support them in managing people in their workforce. Some useful resources are provided below, but members can also access our dedicated Employment Law Helpline via 0121 707 0077.

Find out more

New CSCS Smart Check app to revolutionise card verification procedures

by Clair Mooney | 17 Dec, 2021 | Skills

A new app, developed by the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo, is set to radically improve the construction industry’s card checking procedures and site safety. The CSCS Smart Check app represents a major step forward as, for the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be electronically verified using a single app.

The roll out of the app begins in April 2022, providing employers with a quick, easy and secure way of ensuring everyone on site has the right qualifications and training for the job they do. The app will be free to use and available for Apple iOS and Android devices. Visit https://www.cscs.uk.com/about/cscs-smart-check/ to find out more about the CSCS Smart Check app.

What does this mean for employers?

Sites should require everyone working in a construction occupation to hold a card displaying the CSCS logo and they should be checking those cards regularly to ensure they are genuine and in date. However, with 38 schemes offering CSCS logoed cards and many using their own (often incompatible) card checking systems, the process can be complicated. This places an unrealistic expectation on site management teams to know every scheme and every type of card available together with the different verification systems used. Having one app to electronically check all cards at the site gates will make life easier for those responsible. It doesn’t matter what card turns up at the site gates, from asbestos to welding, if it displays a CSCS logo it will be compatible with the CSCS Smart Check app.

Early Adopters: Are you a technology early adopter? CSCS need some help to test the app. If your site would like to take part in a pilot programme then please email the project team at communications@cscs.co.uk.

Next steps: The roll out of the app will result in some changes to the way in which employers check cards at the site gates. Over the coming weeks the 38 card schemes are committed to keeping the industry updated on our progress and everything you need to know about CSCS Smart Check. Regular progress reports will be issued and we are planning several events to keep you and your colleagues updated. Further details on these events will be made available in the new year.

“It must be emphasised this is to check the CSCS card is genuine and in date, FIS strongly encourage members to ensure employees are operating on the card applicable to their status (trainee, apprentice, operative, supervisor, manger) and occupation. When the Building Safety Bill takes hold a green Labourers card for a trades person could lead to that individual being turned away at the site gate. The FIS Approved Training Provider Network have offers and discounts (including some free of charge qualifications) to help employers qualify the workforce and register for the appropriate CSCS card. Remember CITB grants also apply to individuals working for organisations as LOSC which should help employer recoup so of the costs. If you need help give FIS a call 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org”.

Skills Hub

The Skills Hub brings together details of courses specific to the finishes and interiors sector, making accessing and booking training quick and easy. In addition, it provides information on sector careers, apprenticeships and funding, as well as access to e-learning, CPD and other training.

Click Here

Securing a green recovery on a path to net zero

by Clair Mooney | 16 Dec, 2021 | Sustainability

In December 2020, the Scottish Government published its “update to the climate change plan 2018-2032 – securing a green recovery on a path to net zero”.

Scotland has committed to green recovery from Covid-19 in order to capture the opportunities for a transition to net zero through the creation of green jobs, development of sustainable skills and nurture of wellbeing. The report includes policies and proposals for each of the eight sectors identified: electricity, transport, industry, waste, land use/land change/forestry, agriculture, negative emission technologies and buildings.

The most relevant points for FIS members are:

Buildings: a regulatory change, delivering significant investment and supporting supply chain growth. Much of the focus appears to be on the stimulation of zero emission heating systems and energy efficiency measures, which a particular focus on domestic buildings. In 2021, the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings standard was launched. This voluntary standards considers 5 objectives: embodied carbon emissions, operational carbon emission, other whole life carbon emissions, indoor environmental quality and environmental aspects. The Government is also working closely with Skills Development Scotland to create the appropriate skills to deliver net zero and published “Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan 2020-2025 Key Issues And Priority Action”.
Waste: embed circular economy principles in the wider green recovery, ban on a number of single use plastic items
Industry: funds being made available to support the development of carbon capture and hydrogen technologies and for the manufacturing of low products

The document also provides a route map graphic of what the policies will mean in practice – see page 15-22.

FIS Sustainability Hub

FIS is committed to taking a pro-active lead, not just in supporting the UK ambition to net zero carbon by 2050, but delivering profound transformation within our supply chain on all aspects of ethical and environmental sustainability. We have created this hub to bring together resources and information that will support your journey to net zero.

Find out more

Apprentice employer incentive payments extended

by Clair Mooney | 13 Dec, 2021 | Skills

The government’s offer of up to £4,000 for each apprentice a company employs has been extended at least until the end of March 2022.

In addition, CITB is still paying training grants to cover travel and accommodation, as well as training fees, for the apprentices while they are at college if they have to travel and stay away.

Cash incentives for firms were introduced as part of the national Plan for Jobs initiative in July 2020. They are worth up to £3,000 on top of the £1,000 already available if you take on an apprentice aged 16-18, or under 25 if they have an education, health and care plan, or have been in the care of their local authority.

The payment can be spent on anything to support a company’s costs. It does NOT have to be repaid.

The incentives were originally available until September this year, but now the government has extended it so companies can continue to benefit into 2022. Applications for the cash open on 11 January 2022.

A Plan for Jobs progress report says more than 85,000 apprentices have been hired under the incentive payments scheme so far, with 75% of those taken on being under 25.

From 11 January you will be able to apply for the payment of £3,000 for apprentices that start with you any time from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022. You have to get the application in before 15 May 2022.

To apply for the payment you need to create an account on the Government’s dedicated Apprenticeships Portal (click here to go to that). Once your account is set up, you can make your claim.

You can read more about the offer on the Construction Leadership Council’s Talentview website here.

Skills Hub

The Skills Hub brings together details of courses specific to the finishes and interiors sector, making accessing and booking training quick and easy. In addition, it provides information on sector careers, apprenticeships and funding, as well as access to e-learning, CPD and other training.

Click Here

Contract awards increase 23% in November

by Clair Mooney | 10 Dec, 2021 | Market data

The latest information from Builders’ Conference shows that there were 447 contracts worth £5.1 billion awarded in November. This is an improvement after the dip in October and the industry will be hoping that activity holds up in the New Year and the emergence of the Omicron COVID‐19 variant does not cause too much disruption.

76% of all the contracts awarded by value were in the private sector. There were 156 housing projects worth £2 billion (38%), 60 office projects totalling £527 million (10%), 80 education projects worth £480 million (9%), and 20 industrial projects with a total value of £418 million (8%), including the month’s largest contract for £220 million to build a distribution centre in Sutton Coldfield, on the outskirts of Birmingham.

The number of tender opportunities was slightly higher than the previous month but remained 43% below the monthly average for the past year.

Market Data

FIS has access to a wide range of market data from sources including the CPA, Barbour ABI and Builders’ Conference. In addition, FIIS produces a state of trade survey specifically for the finishes and interiors sector.

Find out more

Employers and drylining experts needed to help develop traineeship

by Clair Mooney | 9 Dec, 2021 | Drylining, Skills

CITB has started work on a Traineeship for Drylining occupations and need support from employers and subject matter experts. The next development meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 15 December starting at 13:00 to get involved please email alexandra.lee@citb.co.uk

What’s a Traineeship
A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work experience placement. Traineeships help prepare young people aged 16 to 24, or 25 with an education, health and care plan, for employment or an apprenticeship. Traineeships must include at least 70 hours of work experience placement. They can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, but most last less than 6 months. Employers can offer a work experience placement to a trainee. They will work with a training provider to design the workplace element of the programme. Traineeships are introductory courses to attract individuals, at risk of becoming long term unemployed, into employment the training should be broad and provide as much variety as possible with the work experience placement focused on a specialism.

The training provider will assess the needs of the trainee. Trainees may need pre-employment training before starting their work experience placement. Employers will then work with the training provider to plan and agree:

the length of the work experience placement
the days the trainee works
how the programme will be delivered

Traineeships are flexible. Employers can change the programme as they go to make sure they and the trainee get the most out of it.

Employers must provide:

a safe, meaningful and high-quality work experience placement
a minimum of 70 hours of work experience placement over the duration of the traineeship (if the trainee claims benefits, the placement cannot last longer than 240 hours)
constructive feedback and advice to the trainee
an interview for an apprenticeship or job in their organisation at the end of the traineeship if one is available
an exit interview at the end of the traineeship with meaningful written feedback if no job is available

Offering a work experience placement gives employers the chance to:

get to know and work with a young person to see if they’re right for an apprenticeship or job in their business
design a programme that suits the needs of the trainee and their business
develop current employees’ experience in training and mentoring
recruit new talent for their business
claim an employer incentive of £1,000 when a work experience placement of over 70 hours has been completed

Employers who make new work experience placement opportunities available may be eligible for an incentive payment of £1,000 per trainee. They can claim this incentive for up to 10 learners per region. Employers decide how to use the money. You can view more guidance on employer incentive payments and how to claim them.

Traineeships are funded by the government. Traineeships are free to the employer, but they may choose to support trainees with expenses such as transport and meals. If you are interested in offering a work experience placement for a traineeship:

Contact the National Apprenticeship Service to register your interest and to ask for advice and support on traineeships. They can help you set up a traineeship and advertise it on Find a traineeship.
Partner with a training provider who will help you to design a traineeship that will meet your business needs. They will also advertise the work experience placement for you.
Agree with the trainee and your training provider exactly what each of you expects from the traineeship.

George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead says “Traineeships are part of the Governments Plans for Jobs; approximately 60% to 70% of people on construction training course delivered by FE do not enter the construction industry. By providing more variety in the college element, introducing individuals to the wide range of careers available, Dry Lining Fixer Boarder and Finisher, Ceiling and Partitions Fixer, Plasterer solid and fibrous something should hook their interest and the work experience placement will put them in the work environment and show what the occupational specialism is about. It’s worth employers giving this a try as addressing the labour shortages is all about home grow talent and if you find capable individuals, well enough said. I encourage all employers and subject matter experts to get involved with the development work of CITB the more variety finishes, and interiors Traineeships have the greater the exposure of the fantastic opportunities this sector has to offer and more young people it should attract….Bigger net more fish”.

What is responsible sourcing?

by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2021 | Sustainability

Have you ever wondered where the products you buy come from?

For products made with wood (table, paper or construction products), labels such as FSC or PEFC for timber products have been in place for a long time. Those labels promote the responsible management of forests and provide the buyers with reassurance on the origin of the products.

BES6001 is a certification scheme, developed by BRE Global over 10 years ago, which provides a framework for the assessment of responsible sourcing and a route for the certification of construction products against a multi criteria approach. BRE is proposing a new version of the standard, version 4, which is now avaialble for public comments. CPA worked with BRE on the initial development of this standard over a decade ago and has commented on previous versions of the standard. FIS, unless otherwise challenged by its members, broadly support the approach as it provides a route for the demonstration of best practice.

The standard is available here and track changes highlight changes from version 3. If you have any comments please feed these in to Flavie Lowres via email (flavielowres@thefis.org) before 15 December 2021.

CIJC holiday entitlement 2022

by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2021 | Main News Feed

The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has published the Holiday Entitlement for 2022. The briefing gives guidance on the programme of Public/Bank holidays and annual holidays, that apply under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement in England, Wales and Scotland until the New Year 2023.

There will be an additional paid bank holiday on 3 June to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. You can download the guidance here.

FIS Employment & Workforce Management Toolkit

FIS members can access a range of services to support them in managing people in their workforce. Some useful resources are provided below, but members can also access our dedicated Employment Law Helpline via 0121 707 0077.

Find out more

Face coverings in construction

by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2021 | Main News Feed

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated its information on face coverings following the manadotory use of them in areas of retail open to the public and on public transport, in taxis and private hire vehicles.

The guidance covers the use of face coverings on construction sites in response to coronavirus to help provide a consistent approach across the industry. It is based on Government guidance in England and other restrictions and advice may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Face coverings should also be worn in other crowded and enclosed indoor places where people come into contact with others they don’t normally meet. As part of their risk assessment, employers should consider whether to ask workers to wear a face covering. Workers may also choose to wear a face covering where it is not legally required and should be supported to do so.

The use of face coverings and/or PPE is not required in response to coronavirus whilst carrying out construction activities.

KickStart funding deadline approaching

by Clair Mooney | 6 Dec, 2021 | Skills

Businesses have until midday on Friday 17 December to apply for funding through the Kickstart Scheme. The scheme, which is running until March 2022, provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

The Department of Work and Pensions are withdrawing the role of KickStart Gateway Organisations, so FIS will no longer be able to provide the full service, but will be happy to advise FIS members on this and any linked government initiative. Please call Catherine on 07900 083325 . Please call Catherine on 07900 083325 or email catherinebillough@thefis.org or Marie on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

For a full update on how FIS is attacking the Skills Shortage, click here.

Changes to the Prompt Payment Code

by Clair Mooney | 2 Dec, 2021 | Main News Feed

The Prompt Payment Code has confirmed that compliance with the new requirement to pay 95% of invoices from businesses with fewer than 50 employees within 30 days is being enforced from a signatory’s next full reporting period. For companies with a financial year ending 31 December, this will be January 2022. The Code is encouraging signatories that are required to report under the Duty to Report regulations to include the information as part of their biannual report using the narrative box within the Payment Terms section.

Companies that specify the Common Assessment Standard can use it to identify their suppliers with fewer than 50 employees through Question 10 which asks ‘Are you a Micro, a Small or a Medium‐Sized Enterprise?’ Any suppliers that state they are ‘Micro’ or ‘Small’ have fewer than 50 employees in accordance with the EC definitions used within the standard.

Updated COVID Advice for the Construction Sector

by Clair Mooney | 30 Nov, 2021 | Main News Feed

The Government has introduced a number of temporary COVID‐19 measures from 30 November in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK:

Close contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and legally required to self‐isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status or age
Face coverings must be worn on public transport and in shops
Everyone entering the UK from abroad must take a PCR test within 48 hours and self‐isolate until they receive a negative result.

FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee said:

New restrictions do not have significant impact on what we legally have to do in the workplace, but are a reminder to be careful and to consider reinforcing the use of facemasks and ensuring that regular testing is taking place. Beyond the safety of people, which must always be at the forefront of a business leaders mind, this is about protecting our businesses in a time of severe skilled worker shortages.

The changes were discussed at the latest industry call with Construction Minister Lee Rowley this week, and construction sites are urged to continue to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. The Site Operating Procedures remain available as a reference document and the Build UK COVID‐19 flowchart has been updated in line with the new rules. The CLC is currently reviewing its guidance on the Use of Face Coverings in Construction following publication of the detailed Government guidance yesterday.

The Government has confirmed that the measures will be reviewed in three weeks’ time and we will keep the guidance updated.

CICV Forum has revised its free good practice guide for construction professionals, containing advice on self-isolation.

It doesn’t hurt to revisit signage to remind people on site FIS, with the help of CICV has produced a Mask for Task, Cover for Covid poster.

Vaccination guidance

The Government has announced that everyone who is currently eligible for the COVID‐19 booster vaccine can now book from three months after their second dose and all adults aged 18 and over will be offered a booster by the end of January. Whilst the majority of the UK population is vaccinated, there are a number of issues that employers need to be aware of and FIS Associate Member Citation has updated its practical guidance on developing and implementing a vaccination policy for staff, which covers whether a policy is required, recording vaccination status, and making it mandatory for staff to be vaccinated.

Visit the FIS Covid Hub for the latest updates

Click Here

£45 million package to train staff and help Welsh SMEs grow

by Clair Mooney | 25 Nov, 2021 | Skills

A £45 million package of funding that will help small businesses across Wales to grow and support thousands of people to train to work in key sectors is being made available by the Welsh Government, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething has announced.

As part of the package, £35 million will help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow to help drive Wales’ economic recovery. The funding will support more than 1,000 business, help to create 2,000 new jobs and safeguard a further 4,000 jobs.

In a joint initiative between the Economy Minister and the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, an additional £10 million is being made available to boost Wales’ popular Personal Learning Accounts. This will enable further education colleges to deliver additional courses and qualifications which will help 2,000 people access a wider range of job and earning opportunities in priority sectors facing labour shortages.

Funding will be specifically targeted at reengaging and retraining staff to return to work in the NHS and in social care, training more HGV lorry drivers, reskilling individuals to respond to exciting new job opportunities in green construction and renewable energy, and to ensure there are more trained chefs, waiting and front of house staff to work in Wales’ thriving hospitality sector.

Ministers say the substantial package will help support Wales’ economy through the winter months.

The Economy Minister made the announcement during a visit to Advance Energy Services in Cross Keys to mark the start of Wales Climate Week. The company fit boilers, insulation and heat pumps with a focus on making homes and businesses more energy efficient.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said:

The £45 million package I’m announcing today is being delivered at a critical time in our economic recovery. It provides an opportunity to kick-start and grow the economy as we focus on creating a fairer, greener and prosperous future for Wales.

The funding will offer businesses who need to re-invest – particularly following the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, our departure from the EU, and with a view to climate and Covid proofing – the opportunity to do so, in order to relaunch, develop and grow.

We’re doing all we can to build a Wales with a prosperous, fair, green economy, where nobody is held back or left behind.

Announcing the additional investment in Personal Learning Accounts, Education Minister Jeremy Miles added:

Personal Learning Accounts give people the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to make progress in their career. I’m pleased we have secured an additional £10m to boost this initiative.

This will provide opportunities for people to retrain and increase their earning potential in areas of the economy we know are under extreme pressure – including health and social care, training for HGV drivers, hospitality and green construction.

The £35 million funding for SMEs is the next phase of the Welsh Government’s approach to economic recovery and an important step towards re-establishing resilience within the Welsh economy and continued decarbonisation of Wales’ business sector.

Administered by local authorities, it provides an opportunity to kick-start and grow the economy following the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s departure from the EU.

Businesses will be invited to identify ways in which investment will help them re-launch their business, develop it in innovative new ways, and create new jobs.

It will also support businesses to tackle some of the major issues facing Wales, such as addressing skills gaps in some sectors, upskilling the existing workforce, ensuring fair work for employees and tackling climate change – with Ministers looking for proposals that will help Wales meet its legally binding Net Zero carbon emission target by 2050.

Businesses will be expected to match-fund any grants made available by the Welsh Government.

It’s expected the £35 million funding will support around 1,000 business, helping them to create 2,000 new jobs and safeguard a further 4,000 jobs. It will help leverage £40 million worth of investments by businesses themselves, which will help support the creation of 50 new enterprises.

The £10 million for further education colleges will see the further expansion of Personal Learning Accounts, which will allow local colleges to deliver additional courses and qualifications to support 2,000 people to access a wider range of job opportunities and increase their earning potential in priority sectors.

These include:

logistics (in particular HGV and LGV driving) including driver licence fees and tests. Funding will be targeted at driver training by offering courses to new potential drivers, provide refresher training for those who may be seeking a return to the sector, and to train and increase the number of instructors and examiners available to conduct driving tests
green construction and renewable energy – including roles in housing retrofit, and in wind, tidal and solar power sectors
advanced materials and manufacturing – including technical engineers
hospitality – including chefs, catering assistants, waiting and front of house staff
health and social care – including support to re-engage and retrain former health and social care employees back into the sector and meet the new licence to practice requirements.

Since the start of the Covid pandemic, Ministers have invested more than £2.5 billion in emergency business support, helping protect in excess of 160,000 jobs which might otherwise have been lost.

The £35 million SME funding will further boost existing local authority business support grants and will begin to open for applications in November. Applications will need to be made direct to local authorities once their individual grant schemes open.

Deadline approaching for apprentice incentive payment

by Clair Mooney | 25 Nov, 2021 | Skills

The deadline for employers to apply for the incentive payment for new apprentices hired between April and September 2021 is fast approaching. Eligible employers must apply for their incentive payment by 30 November 2021.

how to apply video including a walk through of the steps to take within the Apprenticeship service.
how to apply guide including when to apply, steps to take before applying, how to apply and what happens after applying.
guidance page including eligibility, how the payment can be used and when payments are made.

Apprenticeships and Funding in England

Earlier this week, FIS hosted a webinar which explained the current process for recruiting, employing and/or hiring apprentices and securing the funding to which your organisations are eligible.

It highlighted some of the quirks of the funding system and provided an explanation to help a successfull application.

The webinar was presented by Ajay Purbhoosing, a Senior Account Manager with London Progression Collaboration, who has many years experience in education and training. The organisation has secured over £8.2m of levy transfer pledges to support small business in order to rebuild and reskill their workforces.

Watch on demand

Help to Grow Digital aims to help businesses adopt new digital technologies

by Clair Mooney | 24 Nov, 2021 | Transformation

Help to Grow: Digital (HtGD) is a UK-wide government-backed scheme that aims to help SMEs choose, buy and adopt digital technologies that will help them grow their business. The initiative will be launched in December 2021 and could help up to 100,000 businesses adopt new digital technologies over three years.

The Help to Grow: Digital scheme will offer businesses:

Free, impartial advice and guidance about what digital technology is best suited to their business and how it can boost their business’ performance
Targeted financial support for eligible businesses, worth up to £5,000, towards the costs of buying approved digital technologies for the first year.

To register your interest visit https://register-help-to-grow-scheme.service.gov.uk/

National Apprenticeship Week theme ‘Build the Future’ announced for 2022

by Clair Mooney | 23 Nov, 2021 | Skills

The theme for the 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week has been announced today.

The National Apprenticeship Week 2022 theme of ‘Build the Future’ continues from 2021, and focuses on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities and a toolkit on how to get involved is now available.

The theme of “Build the Future” continues for its second National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which will take place between 7 and 13 February 2022.

The 15th annual week-long celebration will take place across England, encouraging individuals of any age to reach their career goals by building their skills and knowledge through an apprenticeship.

George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead said

“National Apprenticeship Week showcases the benefits of apprenticeships for the UK economy, now that England has made apprenticeships available to individuals of any age it allows employers to invest in upskilling existing employees as well as securing the future of their organisations by taking on new entrants. With over 100 construction apprenticeships listed on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website: Apprenticeship Standards Construction and incentive payments of up to £4000 for each apprentice an employer takes on, it is a good time to review your organisations succession plans. If you have apprentices please get involved in this and promote careers in the Finishes and Interiors Sector, if you have been thinking about taking on or putting your existing employees through an apprenticeship the information contained in this article should help you come to an informed decision. If you need further information, advice or guidance please give FIS a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org

Peter Mucklow, Director, Apprenticeships, Education and Skills Funding Agency said:

National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that apprenticeships bring to employers, individuals and the wider economy.

Apprenticeships build skills supply now and for the future, and form an important part of many organisations’ recruitment, skills and business strategies. We want employers to showcase how they are realising the return on their investment when apprentices are brought into the business. Apprenticeships offer outstanding access to skilled careers across a wide range of occupations and industries. We want current apprentices from all sectors and of all ages to get behind the Week and to demonstrate the positive impact of apprenticeships on their careers, families and communities.

I encourage employers, providers, partners, and apprentices to begin planning for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 now so we can spend the week collectively celebrating the impact of apprenticeships on individuals and our great businesses and public services.

To support National Apprenticeship Week 2022 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help #BuildTheFuture. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for National Apprenticeship Week 2022.

Download the toolkit from apprenticeships.gov.uk

Keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week 2022 updates by following @Apprenticeships on Twitter and Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2022 and #BuildTheFuture on social media activity.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

CLC writes regarding UK Construction Products Regulations

by Clair Mooney | 23 Nov, 2021 | Technical

The Construction Leadership Council has written to The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities & Local Government and The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to draw their attention to urgent industry concern in connection with the introduction of the UK CA Mark.

Read the letter here.

For the latest guidance on UKCA Marking and placing products on the market in January 2023 and beyond click here.

Slow down of Level 3 qualification reforms

by Clair Mooney | 19 Nov, 2021 | Skills

On Monday, during the second reading of the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, announced that level 3 qualification reforms were being slowed down to allow the sector more time to prepare for the changes. As a result, qualifications will not be defunded until 2024 at the earliest, rather than 2023 under the original timetable.

Following a two-stage level 3 and below review, launched in March 2019, DfE announced it would strip public funding from “poor quality” level 3 qualifications which overlap with T Levels or A-levels.

The policy change follows a petition from the Protect Student Choice campaign, a coalition of FE and skills sector organisations led by the Sixth Form Colleges Association, which has been calling for the plans to be reversed or slowed down.

Nadhim Zahawi revealed the exit requirements for English and maths in T Levels will be removed. During the reading, he told MPs: “I am clear that T Levels and A-levels should be front and centre of the level 3 landscape. But I am also convinced that we need other qualifications alongside them, many of which currently exist, that play a valuable role in supporting good outcomes for students. It is quite likely we will see many BTECs and other similar applied general style qualifications continuing to play an important role in 16 to 19 education, for the foreseeable future. Our reforms to the qualifications landscape are rightly ambitious, but we know that we would be wrong to push too hard and risk compromising quality. That is why I am announcing we have decided to allow an extra year before our reform timetable is implemented.”

It means that qualifications affected by the cull will now not be defunded until 2024 at the earliest, compared to the original plan of 2023.

The Education Secretary also confirmed government will consult on proposals for reform of qualifications at level 2 and below later this year, to ensure learners have clear lines of sight to level 3 apprenticeships, traineeships and employment.

FIS Skills Board

The FIS Skills Board supports the development of qualifications and standards for the sector to ensure a competent workforce. If you are interested in finding out more about the Skills Board, or would like to join, contact FIS Skills and Training Lead, George Swann.

Find out more

English Construction Apprenticeships Route Review

by Clair Mooney | 19 Nov, 2021 | Skills

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is holding a ‘mini consultation’ as part of the route review of construction. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on the occupations currently represented on the occupational map for construction.

The finishes and interiors sector currently has three apprenticeships standards aligned to core trade occupations with two options in each:

Interior Systems Installer ST0388 with options for Dry Lining and Ceilings and Partitions.
Plasterer ST0096 with options for Fibrous and Solid Plastering.
Carpentry and Joinery ST0264 with options for Site Carpenter and Architectural Joinery

The occupational map also includes apprenticeships aligned to the finishes and interiors sector such Painting and Decorating, Construction Site Supervisor, Design and Surveying.

Comments received to date indicate concerns related to the Drylining requirements in the Plasterer apprenticeship, duties 10 and 11 (Drylining fixing, boarding and finishing), which detract from the moulding and trowel skills needed by a plasterer. Concerns have also been expressed that the training programme for Plaster is too long at three years (the Interior Systems Installer apprenticeship training is 18 months). In the original Plastering qualifications drylining was an optional choice for plasterers and still is in Scotland and Wales. It is also unlikely Fibrous plasterers will use drylining skills once the apprenticeship is completed – views are sought particularly on whether the Plastering Standard should be simplified.

What are your views on this?
FIS will feed in a sectoral response on your behalf so to support this we would like to you to email George Swann (georgeswann@thefis.org) on the three points below and include any additional concerns you have on apprenticeship qualifications and specifically your view on the plastering concerns. In addition it is vital that IfATE hear directly from employers.

Do you think there are any occupations missing from the construction occupational map?

Yes/No – please provide details

Are there any occupational standards (or options within) no longer used by the sector?

Yes/No – please provide details

Can you see any of the occupations represented working better as core and options and/or merged standards?

Yes/No – please provide details

As well as sending your responses to georgeswann@thefis.org, views can be contributed via an online questionnaire. The deadline for submissions is 30 November 2021 and FIS encourage all members to submit their views. The details of all the available apprenticeship standards can be found here.

Advice for funding training

by Clair Mooney | 18 Nov, 2021 | Skills

To help organisations secure funding for training, the CICV Forum has produced a guide to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund.

This guide is designed to explain the fund clearly and concisely and help organisations secure financial assistance for training. More details available here in a summary developed for the CICV Members (FIS is a member on your behalf).

As it currently stands, every construction company in Scotland is entitled to either £5,000 or £15,000 to spend on training of their choice, thanks to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF).

This versatile and easily accessible fund can help you identify and achieve your digital enablement goals and aspirations, and is available regardless of whether you’re registered with, or receiving funding from, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

It can be used for any kind of training, coaching, or professional development, one-to-one training, standard courses or designed bespoke for your .company.

FIS Skills and Funding Clinics

Take advantage of one-to-one Skills Funding Clinics to review funding claims and ensure you get back the money you are entitled and find out more about discounts and specialist training available to FIS Members.

Find out more