Certificates were presented to Sandwell College adult learners to mark their successful completion of the FIS BuildBack Drylining Programme.  The learners received training in drylining fixer boarder and finisher across a six week programme.

Stuart Smith Project Manager for HSS Tool Hire presented each learner with a set of tools, and in addition to the tools, each candidate is equipped for the workplace with a full set of PPE and a CSCS card.  Four candidates have acquired work placements with local finishes and interiors companies and four are looking for an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.

If you are interested in taking on a candidate or would like to explore how this project can help your own recruitment please contact Catherine Bullough by calling 07900 083325 or email catherinebullough@thefis.org or call Marie Flinter on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

Funded through CITB, BuildBack is a collaborative recruitment and induction programme facilitated by FIS. You can find out more information at https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/recruitment-induction/buildback/

We need an extra 217,000 workers over the next five years to ensure construction can continue to thrive and apprenticeships will help futureproof the industry and provide an excellent route to secure a skilled, diverse future workforce.

There are a number of schemes that are supported by Levy and are free to access, and with your involvement will help bring new talent into the industry.

Here you can find out the support available from CITB and the UK Government to take on an apprentice.

Being conscious of the ever-shrinking labour pool available to the finishes and interiors sector, there have been reports of up to 60% labour not being available by some FIS members.  FIS is running two projects specifically designed to attract people into the finishes and interiors sector.

FIS BuildBack accepts individuals from a range of backgrounds including HM Forces Career Progression candidates and clients put forward by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).  To help prepare the candidates for work, each learner receives training in Drylining Fixer, Boarder and are supplied with Personal Protective Equipment, a set of tools and a CSCS Provisional Card.  The candidates just need an opportunity to show employers what they can do during a work placement.  This may ultimately lead to a full-time work opportunity and will also add new talent to your workforce.  All of this is free of charge to employers.

The sector now needs employers to provide a 2 week work placement for these BuildBack candidates.  If the individual fits your organisation’s needs, and they are eligible (claiming universal credit) you could transfer them to the governments KickStart Scheme.  The scheme provides a grant of £1500 to employers willing to take on individuals for a 6 month work placement and includes payment of the national minimum wage for 25 hours per week.

There are currently 140 people available for work placement including candidates from HM Force Career Progression and the YouthBuild charity.  All have received introductory training as Dry Liner Fixer Boarder, a set of tools, PPE, a CSCS Provisional card.  Please contact Marie on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org. or Catherine on 07900 083325 or email catherinebullough@thefis.org for details.  If you employ any of these people FIS can help their advancement by providing further training as an apprentice or to the achievement of a vocational qualification, all free of charge to the employer.

To find out more about BuildBack click here.