Skills Archives

Supporting Skills for the Future: CITB Homebuilding Access Training Standards – Drylining

by Oscar Venus | 30 May, 2025 | Skills

CITB is working in collaboration with NHBC to develop new Homebuilding Access Training Standards as part of the wider Homebuilding Access Scheme. This joint initiative, involving CITB, the UK Government, and the National House Building Council, aims to address the critical need for skilled workers to support the construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

These new standards, focused initially on drylining, will be delivered as Short Duration Standards. They are being shaped in direct consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure training is practical, relevant, and aligned with recognised standards.

FIS is encouraging members to get involved and support this important work. If you’re interested in contributing to the development of these standards, please contact Beena Nana.

Construction to Production Masterclass

by Clair Mooney | 21 May, 2025 | Skills

Transform your construction projects with Toyota’s production thinking.

The Construction to Production Toyota Masterclass is a one-day, high-impact programme designed specifically for Directors, Business Owners, and Operational Leaders in the construction industry. Hosted in collaboration with Toyota at the Deeside Engine Plant, the masterclass provides a rare opportunity to see Toyota’s Production System (TPS) in action and learn how to apply these principles to overcome common construction challenges.

Why attend?

Learn from industry leaders – see the world’s leading production system in action
Exclusive access – Gain insights from Toyota’s Lean Management Centre and experts
Tailored for Construction – specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the construction sector.

Full details are available here. There are just two spaces remaining on the one-day course on 29 May.

The cost to attend is £495 and funding is available through the Employer Network funding of up to 70%. If you are interested in signing up, call: 07973 705018, email: contact@bbiservices.com or visit: www.bbiservices.com for details.

Further courses are planned for later in the year.

FIS Members vote “No” to CITB Levy proposals

by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Skills

1Following a vote of the FIS membership on the level of money proposed to be collected for the construction industry levy by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), FIS has voted against the CITB proposal. A full report has been provided to CITB documenting the result and delivering direct feedback from the community.

The Construction Industry Levy is collected and distributed by CITB in a process governed by the Industrial Training Act. FIS, as a CITB Prescribed Organisation according to the Act, are required to consult with Levy paying members of FIS through the defined process and respond collectively on their behalf.

The proposals for raising and collecting the Levy for the next 3 years (2026 – 2029) were

0.35% on PAYE staff
1.25% on Net paid (taxable) CIS sub-contractors

Employers with an annual wage bill of less than £150k will be exempt and employers with an annual wage bill of between £150k and £500k will receive a 50% deduction on the Levy assessment, meaning employers will only pay the full assessment if their annual wage bill is £500k or above.

FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee stated: “This vote is a clear indication that the levy is not working for the majority of our members, that they have not seen enough improvement since the last consensus vote and do not have confidence that the proposed CITB Strategic Plan will do enough to shift the dial.

The skills issue is perhaps the biggest challenge facing construction and any levy designed to alleviate this can only be judged by results. Members are simply not seeing the flow of people, the availability and quality of qualification provision and access to the wider training they need, particularly to support the high levels of contingent workforce necessitated by procurement practices in the sector.”

FIS is one of 14 consensus organisations and the vote will be considered in line with others. The overall outcome of the consensus process is expected to be communicated by CITB to the industry after consultation with government over the summer.

Whatever the final outcome, FIS will continue to help members to utilise levy paid where appropriate through the one-to-one FIS Skills Clinics. If any member would like help in understanding what grant claims they are eligible for, Marie Flinter, FIS Skills and Training Advisor will be able to provide support.

For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

CITB initiates review of National Occupational Standards for Plastering

by Clair Mooney | 15 May, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills

As part of this process, members of the plastering sector are being contacted to participate in the review. This offers a chance for industry professionals to influence the standards that will ultimately shape N/SVQs.

CITB are seeking representation from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the consultation planned to begin in the next couple of weeks.

Interested parties can complete the provided form https://forms.office.com/e/rgVfxvSymW to participate.

More information on National Occupational Standards can be found here: National Occupational Standards (NOS) – CITB

SFS competency framework

by Clair Mooney | 2 May, 2025 | Skills

We are offering members the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed competency framework for SFS.

FIS has been working with members and CITB to develop this, and it is now available for review for a 30-day period (1 May to 2 June 2025). These frameworks define the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours essential for each trade. The framework can be viewed here https://citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/CF_SFS

FIS partners with The Skills Centre to tackle skills shortage in the finishes and interiors sector

by Clair Mooney | 15 Apr, 2025 | Employment, Skills

FIS is delighted to announce its new partnership with The Skills Centre to deliver essential training and support for individuals pursuing careers in the finishes and interiors sector. This collaboration aims to address the growing skills shortage in construction, specifically in this sector, which faces a critical demand for skilled workers.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the construction sector will require an additional 251,500 workers by 2028. Furthermore, 61% of FIS members report struggling to find skilled workers, highlighting the urgency of this partnership to address the skills gap. As the UK continues to invest in reaching its Net Zero targets, retrofit projects will increase, driving continued demand for insulation and drylining skills as the 2050 deadline approaches.

Through this collaboration, The Skills Centre will deliver a series of Bootcamps designed to provide individuals with the hands-on training and industry-specific knowledge necessary to kickstart their careers in the finishes and interiors sector. These intensive programmes will bridge the gap between talent supply and employer demand, offering practical experience and career support to participants.

The first offering will be an Introduction to Insulation and Drylining course, which is a free, eight-week programme. Successful participants will earn a Level 2 qualification. The training and qualifications* will include:

In addition, a new Drylining Apprenticeship will be available for pre-screened local candidates who have come through funded Bootcamps. This specialist training will cover Partition Walls, MF Ceilings, Grid Ceilings, Shaft Walls, Metsec Installation, Rainscreen Cladding and Passive Fire Protection.

Employers in the finishes and interiors sector are encouraged to get involved and support the initiative by providing interview opportunities or offering work experience placements with a view to future employment. The initiative aims to support workforce development, create opportunities for career growth, and enhance the talent pipeline within the sector.

Commenting on the initiative, FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana, said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Skills Centre to enhance the support we provide to our members while tackling the growing skills shortages in our industry. This partnership enables us to combine resources and expertise, fostering opportunities for development, training, and growth, which will ultimately benefit our members and the broader community by addressing critical workforce challenges.”

Sam Downton, Director at The Skills Centre added:

“Our new partnership with FIS marks a significant step forward for the interior systems and drylining sector. This part of the industry plays a critical role in shaping the internal environments where we live, work, and learn—but it continues to face skills shortages and often flies under the radar as a long-term, rewarding career option.

“Joining forces with FIS brings together their sector leadership and our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training. Central to this partnership are our specialist Bootcamps, which are imperative for attracting new talent into the industry. They provide a direct route for individuals—many of whom are new to construction—to gain essential skills, site experience, and the confidence to move straight into employment.

“For employers, these Bootcamps open up access to a wider, work-ready talent pool and offer a practical solution to workforce gaps. Together with FIS, we’re not only building stronger pathways into the sector, but also helping to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and skilled future for interior systems and drylining across London and Essex”.

Employers can also attend planned visits to the following training centres to meet candidates and see the training in action:

Build East, Stratford – Wednesday, 30 April, 14:00 – 16:00
West Horndon, Essex – Wednesday, 14 May, 12:00 – 14:00

If you are an employer interested in attending any of these sessions or would like to support this initiative, please contact Beena Nana at beenanana@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

For employers interested in finding out more about the Bootcamps and how they can get involved, a dedicated webinar will provide all the information needed to get started.

*Actual qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery.