by Oscar Venus | 20 Nov, 2025 | Labour, Main News Feed, Skills
If you’re a CITB-registered employer, you may be entitled to a wide range of grants to support the cost of training and developing your workforce. Many employers deliver training but never submit a claim, meaning valuable funding goes unused.
FIS is here to help members navigate the CITB system and ensure you access the support available. If you would like advice or hands-on assistance with claiming grants, please contact: Marie Flinter – marieflinter@thefis.org
Examples of CITB Grants Available
Short Duration Training Grants (Training between 3 hours and 29 days)
- Tier 1: £60
- Tier 2: £140
- Tier 3: £240
NVQs & SCQF Qualifications (Level 2 and above / SCQF Level 5 and above)
- £600 on successful completion
Apprenticeships
- Attendance Grant: £2,500 per year
- Achievement Grant: £3,500 on completion
- Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeships: additional £2,000 uplift
Travel & Accommodation Support
- 80% accommodation costs (CITB pre-approval required)
- Travel support where costs exceed £20 per week
Long Qualification Grants
(For higher-level qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs, Degrees, Postgraduate awards)
- Attendance Grant: £1,125 per year (up to 6 years)
- Achievement Grant: £1,875 on completion
FIS encourages all eligible members to review their training activity and take advantage of these grants. Our team is ready to support you through the process to ensure nothing is missed.
If you need guidance or support, please get in touch.
by Oscar Venus | 20 Nov, 2025 | Labour, Skills
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has announced that 82 occupations have been shortlisted for potential inclusion on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) as part of the Government’s ongoing review. Build UK will be working with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to coordinate the industry’s response to the forthcoming call for evidence, which will determine the final list submitted to the Home Secretary.
Construction Roles Under Consideration
A wide range of construction occupations are being examined for potential inclusion, including:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Construction supervisors
- Floorers and wall tilers
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Roofers
- Stone masons
- Steel erectors
- Welders
Trade Associations representing these occupations, are invited to join the next meeting of the CLC Movement of People Working Group, supported by the Department for Business and Trade, taking place:
Monday 24 November
2:00pm – 3:00pm
The session will outline what it means for an occupation to be placed on the TSL and the type of evidence required for the call for evidence submission. FIS members who wish to attend can request an invitation.
Wider Policy Context
The Government has reiterated its commitment to ‘restore control to our borders’, with new asylum and returns policy changes making refugee status temporary. These developments sit alongside ongoing adjustments to the immigration system affecting workforce recruitment.
To support employers navigating these requirements, Build UK continues to update its resources, including:
FIS will continue to monitor developments and engage with industry partners to ensure members’ interests are represented.
by Oscar Venus | 13 Nov, 2025 | Membership, Skills
FIS is encouraging members to get involved with the Go Construct STEM Ambassador Programme, a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the Finishes and Interiors Sector and inspire the next generation of talent.
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and promoting careers in construction, this initiative offers the perfect way to make a real difference. By becoming a STEM Ambassador, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with schools, colleges, and communities to highlight the diverse and rewarding opportunities available across the industry.
To help you get started, Go Construct is hosting two upcoming webinars introducing the programme and showing how current ambassadors are already making an impact.
Upcoming Webinar Sessions
Monday 8 December, 11:00–12:00
Thursday 15 January 2026, 11:00
During these sessions, you’ll:
- Be introduced to the STEM Learning platform
- Receive a step-by-step guide to becoming an Ambassador
- Learn how to engage effectively with schools and career events
- Have the opportunity to sign up live and start your journey
Whether you’re completely new to outreach or already active in career engagement, becoming a STEM Ambassador is a great way to build confidence, develop presentation skills, and connect with young people exploring construction as a career.
To register for your preferred session, contact: Marie Flinter – marieflinter@thefis.org
Together, we can inspire the next generation and help secure a bright, skilled future for the finishes and interiors sector.
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Events, Skills
FIS is proud to be supporting this year’s SkillBuild National Final, taking place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, on 19–20 November 2025, the UK’s largest multi-trade skills competition showcasing the next generation of construction talent.
Visitors to the event can watch top scoring competitors from across the UK compete across multiple trades including Drylining, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Painting and Decorating, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Joinery. As the competition unfolds, projects will transform from blank canvases into stunning displays of craftsmanship, skill, and precision.
Construction Showcase: Inspiring the Next Generation
FIS will be exhibiting as part of the Construction Showcase, an interactive experience hub packed with have-a-go activities and live demonstrations designed to inspire young people to explore careers in construction.
Construction Showcase Opening Times
- Wednesday 19 November: 09:00 – 16:00
- Thursday 20 November: 09:00 – 15:00
FIS is inviting members to get involved by supporting the stand with interactive activities or demonstrations that highlight the diversity of skills within the finishes and interiors sector.
If you’re able to contribute, please contact Beena Nana at beenanana@thefis.org by Friday 7 November.
Book your free visitor tickets here
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Labour, Skills
FIS is proud to be partnering with The Skills Centre to support a series of Skills Bootcamps and Employment Programmes at training facilities across the UK.
As part of this initiative, The Skills Centre will be delivering an ‘Introduction to Drylining and Insulation’ course designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to take their first steps into the finishes and interiors sector.
Training and Qualifications
Participants will gain a strong foundation in key areas, with courses including:
- Cskills Level 1 Health & Safety
- CITB CSCS Health & Safety Environment (Green Card)
- Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit
- Level 2 Removing Non-Hazardous Waste in the Workplace (Blue Card)
- Environmental Awareness in the Construction Industry
- Introduction to Interior Systems
Introduction to Passive Fire
Note: The specific qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery.
This intensive training programme aims to provide practical, hands-on experience that prepares learners for real-world work environments and long-term careers in the interiors sector.
A Call to FIS Members
As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling the industry’s skills shortage and nurturing new talent, FIS is calling on members in the Greater London area to get involved.
Can your business offer work experience, employment opportunities, or apprenticeships to support these new entrants into the sector?
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the next generation of fit-out professionals and strengthen the future workforce of our industry.
To find out more or to express your interest, please contact Beena Nana or Marie Flinter at FIS.
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Skills
FIS is encouraging members across Scotland to take part in a national review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for plastering — a crucial step in ensuring training and qualifications reflect the skills, techniques, and technologies used in today’s industry.
Led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), this consultation seeks input from employers and industry professionals to make sure the refreshed NOS and future apprenticeship framework truly align with the needs of the plastering sector.
Why Your Input Matters
Your expertise and insight are essential in shaping a framework that reflects real-world practices and supports a skilled, competent, and future-ready workforce.
By getting involved, you’ll help influence the content of training programmes, ensure new entrants are job-ready, and support long-term skills development across the Scottish construction sector.
How You Can Get Involved
SDS is inviting employers and stakeholders to:
- Review and comment on the draft NOS documents
- Attend virtual consultation sessions
- Share feedback on skills gaps, training needs, and industry trends
This work will directly inform the development of a refreshed plastering apprenticeship framework, helping to attract and prepare young people for successful careers within the industry.
To register your interest or find out more, contact:
Jim Johnstone, Development Manager (Construction)
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plastering in Scotland07929 814289 | jim.johnstone@sds.co.uk
FIS encourages all Scottish members involved in plastering and interior finishes to take this opportunity to contribute their knowledge and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
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