FIS responds to review of the national curriculum and assessment England

by Iain McIlwee | 25 Nov, 2024 | Skills

FIS responds to review of the existing national curriculum and statutory assessment system in England.  The consultation was launched by the new Government to explore how the the curriculum can evolve to more appropriately balance ambition, excellence, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all children and young people.

Specifically it was looking at how the educational system can provide::

• an excellent foundation in core subjects of reading, writing and maths
• a broader curriculum, with improved access to music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects
• a curriculum that ensures children and young people leave compulsory education ready for life and ready for work
• a curriculum that reflects the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring all children and young people are represented
• an assessment system that captures:
  • the strengths of every child and young person
  • the breadth of the curriculum

In their response FIS raised concerns about the disjointed approach to qualification, the failure to embed a core understanding of careers and key vocational requirements within the existing curriculum.

The full FIS is response is available for members to review here. FIS Response Curriculum Change.

More details on the consultation are available here.

To find out more about FIS lobbying work click here

Changes to CSCS Green Labourer Card

by Oscar Venus | 8 Nov, 2024 | Skills

The Green Labourer card is evolving from February 2025.
The card’s duration will initially be two years instead of five. However, businesses that can verify their commitment to a labouring role will have the opportunity to extend the card’s lifespan to a full five years.
Starting from the 1st of February, 2025, the Labourer card, upon first application, will be valid for two years. Those continuing in labouring roles can renew the card for five years, provided they present proof of employment in a labouring role.
In addition, the CITB Health, safety, and environment test, required only for the initial two-year card application, will now be valid for three years, making it applicable for renewal.
Existing Labourer card holders seeking renewal from February onwards will qualify for another five-year card upon presenting the necessary evidence.
For further discussion, feel free to reach out to Marie Flinter at marieflinter@thefis.org.

Developing Competence Frameworks for Installers: A Collaborative Approach to Building Safety and Skills Improvement

by Oscar Venus | 18 Oct, 2024 | Skills

FIS are working in collaboration with CITB on developing competency frameworks for Installers across the Super Sector project.

Competence Frameworks will set out and define the core competence requirements for individuals across the built environment. They are made up of a Route to Competence and a SKEB document (Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviour) and an Implementation Plan.

As the Building Safety Act comes into effect, individuals will be required to prove that they are competent to do the job that they are on-site to do, so it is imperative that we have competence defined for all (in scope) roles.

Whilst the Building Safety Act currently focuses on those working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs), CITB will support WG2 Installer Competence Super Sectors, a subgroup of the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG), to consult with industry to develop Competence Frameworks.

Competence Frameworks will help improve competence by providing clarity and consistency across the industry with links to accredited qualifications and approved training, also supporting the strategy for addressing the skills demand.

From standardising competence and identifying the qualification landscape, an implementation plan will be produced which will help address any gaps identified by the consultation process and the defining of the Competence Framework.

Plastering is one the sector areas, where the SKEB document is complete and is now open for online review and feedback until 30^th October 2024.

Please see link below which will take you to consultation link:

citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/CFPlast24

If you would like further information of have any questions, please contact Beena