CITB regularly updates its Training Standards, releasing new ones, deactivating others and creating new grant eligible training (GET) codes for those that have moved from development to full Standards.  When making a grant claim it is important to use the correct code and Standard name to ensure payments get to you as quickly as possible.  The Grant Codes for Short Duration standards list has the most up to date information, and all upcoming changes can be found in the Construction Training Directory section here.

FIS is currently providing a supplementary fund for FIS members in addition to the money employers receive in CITB GET Code grant.  FIS can help check you are getting all of the funds you are eligible for, please ask for a Skills and Funding Clinic by completing the Registration Form, alternatively you can email info@thefis.org or telephone 0121 707 0077.

T Levels are central to the Government’s plans to improve technical and vocational education and address the skills gap. With content designed by more than 250 employers, these new high-quality technical qualifications follow GCSEs and will deliver a pipeline of young people with the skills, knowledge and workplace experience that businesses need.  These rigorous two-year courses are based on the world’s best technical education systems and combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement.  Each T Level is equivalent to three A-Levels and attracts UCAS points offering graduates the opportunity of moving into a job, an apprenticeship or continuing to further study.  The industry placement, lasting at least 45 days, is unique to T Levels and allows students to put the knowledge and skills they have learned into practice. It is also an opportunity to try out their chosen industry and gain experience in the workplace. For employers, they offer the chance to bring in fresh ideas and to spot and nurture early talent.

For more information please see:

• T Level video:  aimed primarily at students and parents
• New T Level website with sections for both employers, students and parents:
• Introduction of T Levels page on gov.uk

The following T’Levels may be of interest to FIS members:

• design, surveying and planning for construction (now available)
• onsite construction (starting September 2021)
• building services engineering for construction (starting September 2021)
• design and development for engineering and manufacturing
• accounting
• finance
• human resources
• maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
• management and administration
• engineering, manufacturing, processing and control

It’s about competency…  To find out more about the work FIS is doing to support competency and recruitment, to find a supplier of quality training or to identify funding that can support your plans, visit our skills hubs here.

The latest edition of JTC Newsline, publihsed by the Joint Taxation Committee, provides Covid-19 updates including details on the new COVID-19 benefit payment for people self-isolating in high risk areas. HMRC is to start its next phase of compliance activity on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) andit has also released a paper on the Job Retention Bonus.

In non-Covid news – P11D returns penalty letters being sent in error; new advisory fuel rates from 1 September 2020 and a reminder that off-payroll working rules (IR35) has not gone away – remember to check who you pay for work done for you that is ‘off-payroll’.

More information can be found in the Finance benefits hub https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/memberbenefits/members-benefits-finance/

Overuse or repetitive motion injuries have become a frequent occurrence in the workplace and it is why ensuring good musculoskeletal health has become such an important issue for workers. These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cost construction employers £646 million a year and is one of the most common causes of sickness, absence, and productivity loss at work. In the plasterboard sector, what can everyone in the supply chain do to control the risk of musculoskeletal injury when their workforce handle plasterboard?

When a worker is asked to do work that is outside their body’s capabilities and limitations, they are being asked to put their musculoskeletal system at risk. It might well be a one-off event and the body gradually heals but repeated or awkward handling of heavy items can cause the greatest risk and lead to long-term problems. Such is the extent of the problem in the UK that nearly seven million workdays are lost annually due to musculoskeletal disorders. In construction, the rate of MSDs is the highest of any profession, with back or shoulder pain one of the most common reasons for people to be off work or having to give up work early.

At a time when the health of the workforce has never been more important, musculoskeletal problems should never be seen as an inevitable part of some jobs. Most injuries are not accidents, they can be prevented through planning and better working practices. It’s also vitally important for workers to keep physically fit and seek advice if they experience musculosketal problems.

In order to reduce the health risks to construction workers from lifting, moving and handling large amounts of plasterboard, manual handling should be kept to a minimum and if it is carried out, then as safely as possible. The journey of plasterboard from factory to site involves many people, all of whom need to be able to work with a reduced risk of injury. The risk is predominantly due to the weight and unwieldy nature of the plasterboard. Any manual handling needs to be minimised by good planning and using equipment. There needs to be good training and implementation of those practices. Most importantly, everyone needs to have the right attitude and behaviour so that no one in the industry is exposed to short or long-term risks that will affect their musculoskeletal health and ability to do their everyday activities, now or in the future.

There should be good planning and good communication between everyone involved throughout any construction project. Principal contractors should be encouraged to engage with all parts of the supply chain before the logistics plan is developed. Any changes in plans need to consider the effects on the supply movement and installation of plasterboard. Furthermore, people need to know how to look after their own musculoskeletal health, but others must not expose them to avoidable risks.

A new FIS Best Practice Guide produced by members of the Plasterboard Material Handling Group aims to improve health and safety when plasterboard is delivered, moved and stored and how risks can be reduced. It covers material-handling arising from the journey that plasterboard takes when delivered to sites that include homes, commercial, high-rise multi-occupancy, new builds and refurbishments. The guide is broken down into stages from planning to engagement with manufacturers and distributors, delivery and offloading, storage, vertical and horizontal movement, storage of off-cuts and finally the removal and egress of waste.

Training, planning and good working practices will ensure that people can work in the industry until they wish to leave it with good health and not have to leave the industry because of debilitating musculoskeletal problems.

To meet the rising demand for remote learning, the NCC have also increased the range of courses now available through remote training, including Health and Safety Awareness, SSSTS Refresher, Temporary Works, SEATS and CDM Regs. Courses can be found here and you can book by calling: 0344 994 4433.

• a student studying for a professional qualification at a university, in further education or on an apprenticeship
• someone who uses the services of regulated professionals
• a UK or international regulated professional
• a business which employs regulated professionals
• an education provider who supports individuals in acquiring qualifications needed to enter regulated professions
• an individual with a particular interest

The Government has opened a Call for Evidence to gather insights into how professional qualifications are recognised and professions are regulated.  They would like to hear your views and experiences on employing regulated professionals and using services provided by these professionals.  To respond, please complete the online questionnaire or submit your response to professional-regulation-evidence@beis.gov.uk by Friday 23 October 2020.

CITB has also extended the period over which regular payments can be made, offering the ability to pay instalments over a full 12 months.  Direct debit instalments are usually collected in the 10 months between May and February but will now be collected over a full 12 months, starting in September 2020 and completing in August 2021.

For employers with existing CITB direct debits, these will automatically switch to the new instalment plan.  For others wanting to benefit from the extended period of interest-free direct debits, you will need to complete and return the direct debit mandate that will accompany the 2019 Levy Assessment Notice no later than Friday 18 September 2020.  The first direct debit instalment is due by 28 September 2020.

More information can be found here.  If you have an estimated Levy payment or need guidance on what to do, please click here.

Funding will be available for each six month job placement and will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week and employers will be able to top this wage up.  It is likely employers will be required to register through Job Centre plus.  Official policy and guidance has not yet to been published, so please check with FIS if you are offered anything to do with Kickstart.  FIS will publish details when they become available.

Our Skills and Training Lead, George Swann gives advice on how to choose a good, and swerve a potentially poor training provider

Like it or loath it, people need training and there are a lot of training providers willing to take your money, some top quality and some not so good.  In every case training for work is a requirement of UK law, as a general duty of employers the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states:

“the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees”

As with all products and services it’s well worth shopping around and checking what you’re actually going to get for your money.  Always negotiate with training providers to get the best possible service, quality and price.

As an example, we recently received an offer that initially looked great and ideal for our staff, offering a bursary for early sign up.  But, on investigation the training equated to 40 hours of online tuition at £25 per hour per attendee, the attendee was required to identify a work based mentor and complete four hours of self-assessment exercises, as part of the 40, then two multi-choice answer tests online.  The outcome was an attendance certificate with no link to anything formally registered.  Get 40 students signed up for that per month and it’s a nice little earner with minimal overheads.

When you’re looking for training provision consider asking the following questions:

1. Is this training linked to a formal outcome, a qualification on the Ofqual and/or QIW and/or the SQA register, if it’s stated it is, check it out its always worth requesting the reference:

Ofqual: Ofqual Formal Qualification Register

Wales: Qualifications in Wales

Scotland SQA: Scottish Qualification Authority Register

2. Is there any funding available to support this training?
3. Does this training require a renewal, if so, what is the criteria?
4. Is there any follow up support?
5. When will we receive the certificate(s)?
6. Is there an appeals procedure, if so, what are the details?

FIS has a network of Approved Training Providers who have signed the FIS Code of Conduct and are subjected to an audit to ensure the service provided matches FIS members expectations.  If you feel unsure FIS will be happy to help by providing information, advice and guidance please call 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org

Your business will benefit from government funding while making use of potential talent currently studying a construction traineeship.  Employers can offer a trainee work experience in their business as part of a construction traineeship.  Employers who make new work placement opportunities available may also receive an incentive payment of £1000 per learner.  The employer commitment is a minimum of 70 hours of work experience, but no more than 240 hours for benefit claimants over the duration of the traineeship (maximum of one year) and as agreed with the traineeship provider.  For full details please read guidance on traineeship information for employers.

1. Contact the National Apprenticeship Service to register your interest in traineeships. It is the same employer enquiry form as above for apprenticeships.
2. Partner with a training organisation to design a traineeship to meet your organisation’s needs. The training organisation will advertise the work experience placement for you.
3. Agree with the trainee and the training organisation exactly what you and they expect from the work placement. Register as an employer to track your vacancies on the apprenticeship vacancy system and view applications.

After the work placement ends the employer should offer the trainee an interview for an apprenticeship place.  If the trainee is successful, the employer will then be eligible for further funding.

The guide was produced by members of the Plasterboard Material Handling Group, which comprises representation from key suppliers, specialist and main contractors in the finishes and interiors sector and the Home Builders Federation (HBF), and is chaired by FIS Technical Director Joe Cilia. Created on behalf of the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG), the Best Practice Guide looks at ways to improve safety when planning for the delivery and movement of plasterboard at each stage and how risks can be reduced.

Commenting on the launch of the guide, FIS chief executive Iain McIlwee said: “Musculosketal disorders (MSDs) cost construction employers £646 million a year and is one of the most common causes of sickness absence and productivity loss at work. The FIS Best Practice Guide, Recommendations for the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard provides clear recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of injury and improve productivity and working conditions on site.”

The aim of the guide is to improve health and safety when plasterboard is delivered, moved and stored. It covers material-handling arising from the journey that plasterboard takes when delivered to sites that include homes, commercial, high-rise multi-occupancy, new builds and refurbishments. The guide is broken down into stages from planning to engagement with manufacturers and distributors, delivery and offloading, storage, vertical and horizontal movement, storage of off-cuts and finally the removal and egress of waste.

“Training, planning and good working practices will ensure that people can work in the industry until they wish to leave it with good health and not have to leave the industry because of debilitating musculoskeletal problems,” added Professor Anthony Woolf of the Bone and Joint Research Group at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, who provided expert advice to the group.

Ian Strudley, who is Chair of the HCLG MSD Task Group and Occupational Health and Hygiene Specialist at Balfour Beatty, said: “This comprehensive guide to the movement and handling of plasterboard will help consolidate the effort to achieve further improvements in musculoskeletal health, and therein achieve additional risk reduction and greater productivity.”

A spokesperson for the HSE said: “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the most common work-related ill health conditions. Reducing the incidence and impact of these on workers’ health is a strategic priority for HSE. Poor materials handling commonly results in MSDs as well as more acute injuries. The construction sector has one of the highest rates of MSDs, and they are amongst the most common cause of sickness absence.

HSE acknowledges the launch of the HCLG’s report and guidance on reducing MSD during the delivery and movement of Plasterboard, and supports the collaborative work of the industry in reducing the incidence of MSDs.”

The HCLG comprises of contractors, clients, professional bodies, trade associations and trade unions. It is supported by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

FIS represents suppliers and contractors in the finishes and interiors sector. Its contractor members workmanship is vetted when they join and then every three years and they agree to carry out work in accordance with the FIS best practice guides.  All members abide by a code of conduct. A searchable list of members can be found here:

To download the FIS Best Practice Guide, Recommendations for the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard click here.

The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. It is not an installation manual but guidance to a good practice approach. The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.

With a foreword by Dame Judith Hackitt, who was the Chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Best Practice Guide will enable a project team to meet its obligations to deliver a safe and secure project in terms of penetration seals. The guide was produced collaboratively by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) to address service penetrations in buildings and ensure the spread of fire due to inappropriate or poorly installed service penetrations can be eliminated.

Commenting on the launch of the guide Dame Judith Hackitt said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Nick Mead, Mei Systems And Assurance Lead – Meica Systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe said: “Service penetrations in fire-separating elements are in part a minor element of a compartment wall or floor, yet in truth they are one of the most important elements when it comes to ensuring the performance of any compartment wall or floor is maintained.”

The guide was produced with the support of stakeholders across the industry including manufacturers, designers, contractors and specialist fire companies and in particular Rockwool, FSi Ltd, and Warringtonfire.

The Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations is available to download here.

As part of the launch, we are hosting a live webinar on 8 September. This is fully booked but if you are interested in listening to the webinar, you can register to receive a recording of the session here.

This guide looks at ways to improve safety when planning for the delivery and movement of plasterboard and how the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) can be reduced.

The aim of the guide is to improve health and safety when plasterboard is delivered, moved and stored. It covers material-handling arising from the journey that plasterboard takes when delivered to sites that include homes, commercial, high-rise multi-occupancy, new builds and refurbishments.

The guide is broken down into stages from planning to engagement with manufacturers and distributors, delivery and offloading, storage, vertical and horizontal movement, storage of off-cuts and finally the removal and egress of waste.

Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said: “MSDs cost construction employers £646 millon a year and are one of the most common causes of sickness absence and productivity loss at work. The FIS Best Practice Guide, Recommendations for the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard provides clear recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of injury and improve productivity and working conditions on site.”

Tuesday 8 September
Time: 12:00 – 13:00

LIVE SESSION NOW FULLY BOOKED
register to receive a recording direct to your inbox!

With additional incentive funding of up to £3,000 now available, taking on an apprentice is a more attractive step for many.  Payments are available for employers that take on an apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 – funding is in addition to the CITB grants available to support a business taking on an apprentice and existing support for training.

From 1 September 2020, employers can apply for these incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice.

Funding payments will be made in three steps:

Step 1:  Hire a new apprentice(s) between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 (extention confirmed as 31 March 2021) . FIS can help you with recruitment and selection.  Alternatively Recruit an apprentice is the official government service for posting and managing apprenticeship vacancies and traineeship opportunities in England.

Step 2:  Apply for the payment after you add the new apprentice(s) to your apprenticeship service account. If you do not already have an National Apprenticeship Services account, please read the guidance and register via guidance to manage apprenticeship funds.  FIS strongly encourage all employer members to open an account.

Step 3:  You will be eligible for two equal instalments after your apprentice completes 90 and 365 days of their apprenticeship.

Employers can spend the funding payment on anything to support the organisation’s costs, from facilities and travel to uniforms and salaries.  This is in addition to the £1,000 payment already available to help employers meet the needs of some groups of apprentices in the workplace.

To register your interest go to apprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ and complete an employer enquiry form.  Alternatively, you can call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.

Further Guidance on apply for these incentives if you are based in England is available here,

If you are not based in England and are interested in taking on an apprentice, further information on how to access incentives is available via the links below:

Scotland | Northern Ireland | Wales

Remember, if you are in scope to CITB grants of up to £11,000 may also be available for employers who employ apprentices.

Employer Incentive Payments 2020
FIS employer members are encouraged to apply for funding from source, any third parties offering funding will no doubt mean you receive less than you are actually eligible for.  If you need any information, advice or guidance on training, qualifications, apprentices, work placements or eligibility for funding (including CITB grant payments, Local Enterprise Partnership funds and employer allowances via the Department of Work and Pensions) in the first instance please contact FIS via info@thefis.org or 0121  707 0077

Back for their 17th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the apprentices, employers and champions who have gone above and beyond, in spite of the challenges faced during this pandemic.

Entries to the awards are open until 25 September 2020 and this year’s winners will be recognised via virtual ceremonies. It is free to enter the awards, and all entries must be made through www.appawards.co.uk

There are nine categories to recognise exceptional employers, apprentices and apprenticeship champions:

Employer of the Year categories
• SME Employer of the Year (for organisations with 1 to 249 employees)
• Large Employer of the Year (for organisations with 250 to 4,999 employees)
• Macro Employer of the Year (for organisations with 5,000+ employees)
• Recruitment Excellence (the winner is selected from Employer of the Year award entries, and will be awarded to an organisation that has recruited a diverse and high quality apprenticeship workforce).

Apprentice of the Year and Apprenticeship Champion categories
• Intermediate Apprentice of the Year (level 2)
• Advanced Apprentice of the Year (level 3)
• Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year (level 4 or higher)
• Rising Star of the Year* (nominated by their employer, this award recognises apprentices that have made impressive progress in their career to date, and have the potential to go even further)
• Apprenticeship Champion of the Year (recognises individuals who go ‘above and beyond’ to champion apprenticeships. The nomination is made by a colleague or contact who recognises an individual’s ‘champion’ credentials).
* The Rising Star category will not include a public vote this year due to the condensed format of the awards

There are two webinars to explain the awards process in more detail, including hints and tips on completing your application. These can be accessed here:
• Employer and Rising Star webinar
• Apprentice and Apprenticeship Champion webinar

Regional Ceremonies will take place online between 2 and 6 November, with the national ceremony taking place online on Wednesday 25 November.

To find out more about the National Apprenticeship Awards 2020 please visit: appawards.co.uk

1. Which employers are requesting and/or would be interested in remote learning continuing to be on offer from CITB?
2. What employers reflect are the benefits and/or advantages of remote learning continuing? (i.e. easier for the workforce to undertake, reduces costs, travel, overnight stays etc.)
3. Which training courses would employers like to remain as part of the remote learning offer from CITB?

Responses can be sent directly to Julia Stevens Julia.stevens@citb.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday 8 September. Please indicate your membership of FIS on your response.