Skills for Life: The Value of Apprenticeships in Your Career Journey

Skills for Life: The Value of Apprenticeships in Your Career Journey

Embarking on a career journey is an exciting yet daunting prospect, especially for those just starting to explore their options. While there are numerous pathways to kickstart your career, apprenticeships stand out as one of the most effective routes. Not only do they offer the chance to earn while you learn, but they also help you avoid the heavy burden of student debt—a significant advantage in today’s economy.

One of the most promising sectors offering apprenticeship opportunities is the construction industry, particularly within the finishes and interiors sector. This field provides a diverse array of apprenticeship roles, catering to a variety of interests and skills. Whether you prefer the hands-on experience of working on-site or the organisational challenges of managing projects from an office, there is a pathway for you.

What’s crucial to understand is that where you begin your apprenticeship may not necessarily dictate where you end up. The skills you acquire during your apprenticeship will not only serve you in your immediate role but will also equip you with a toolkit for a successful career throughout your life.

These skills go beyond technical know-how; they encompass problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and project management—essential abilities that are valued in any professional setting. As you navigate through your apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining insights and experiences that will shape your career trajectory.

Choosing an apprenticeship is a strategic move toward building a fulfilling career while developing lifelong skills. So, whether you’re drawn to the thrill of construction or the intricacies of project management, consider an apprenticeship as your launchpad to success. It’s more than just a job; it’s the foundation for a prosperous future.

Thinking about taking on an apprentice?

Our skills team is on hand to help make the process as easy as possible with guidance, information and cohorts.

Competency frameworks consultations

Competency frameworks consultations

FIS has been working with members to develop the competency frameworks for key occupations in our sector. These frameworks are now open for a 30 day consultation and your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of your industry ensuring a strong, sustainable future for the profession. Click on the occupations below for more information:

These frameworks define the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours essential for each trade. We encourage you to submit your feedback by 28 February 2025.

FIS Competency Toolkit

This Toolkit provides essential guidance and tools to support FIS Members in meeting new regulatory competence requirements, providing advice on CSCS, Competency Frameworks that support our sector and details information on how to create a Competency Management Plan.

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Transforming the Construction Workforce: Insights from the Mark Farmer ITB Review

Transforming the Construction Workforce: Insights from the Mark Farmer ITB Review

Transforming the Construction Workforce: Insights from the Mark Farmer ITB Review

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment, and the recent review by Mark Farmer of the Industry Training Board (ITB) is a beacon of hope for those looking to transform our workforce. As we collectively navigate the complexities of this sector, FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector) has been actively engaged in this process, ensuring that our insights and recommendations are incorporated.

Beena Nana, FIS Head of Skills, has been vocal about the significance of this review. She expressed her relief at the publication of Farmer’s findings, which outline a “bold new vision” for the ITB model. This vision aims to evolve into a world-class construction workforce planning and development system, essential for meeting the demands of our ever-changing industry.

Farmer’s critical analysis highlights the scale and complexity of the challenges we face. It is clear that reform is not just a necessity but a pressing requirement. To ensure that we are all aligned, the recommendations from this review must coincide with the initiatives being implemented by Skills England and the Devolved Nations. This alignment is crucial as we collectively work towards a common goal: empowering employers to implement effective training and recruitment strategies.

The construction sector underpins the growth agenda that the new government aspires to achieve. Our ability to support this growth hinges on our workforce’s skills and adaptability. The insights provided by Mark Farmer will play a vital role in shaping our approach to training and development in the industry.

We encourage all stakeholders to engage with this review. If you have initial thoughts or comments on the findings and recommendations, please direct them to Beena Nana. Your input is invaluable as we strive to enhance our industry’s capabilities and ensure a robust future for construction.

For those interested in exploring the full review, access it

Skills Bootcamps to support labour shortages

Skills Bootcamps to support labour shortages

FIS is working with British Gypsum and Construction Skills People to deliver Skills Bootcamps in Interior Systems at their Erith Academy. Aimed at adults aged 19 and over, Skills Bootcamps can support businesses in upskilling their existing workforce or to recruit new talent. They are developed and delivered in partnership with your business and can be offered full or part-time.

How Skills Bootcamps can benefit your business
Skills Bootcamps can help you to:

  • quickly recruit and upskill staff with the right training and skills
  • reduce costs associated with traditional recruitment processes
  • boost productivity with motivated learners who can bring in fresh ideas and perspectives

How can you get involved in Bootcamps?
FIS is working with British Gypsum and Construction Skills People to deliver Skills Bootcamps in Interior Systems at their Erith Academy. This is a 10 day course across two weeks:

  • Week one: 31 March – 04 April
  • Week two: 07 – 11 April

The course will include:
Day 1 – Course overview, Introduction to H&S in Construction (Interior Systems)
Day 2 – Understanding your carbon footprint & Mental Health Awareness
Day 3 – 4 – Beginners Metal Stud work for Dry Lining Systems
Day 5 – Gyplyner Wall Lining Systems
Day 6 – Metal Frame (MF) Ceiling Systems
Day 7 – 8 – Dotting and Dabbing Boarding Technique
Day 9 – 10 – Hand Jointing/Tape and Jointing Systems

We require support from members in the South East, London and Kent,  who are able to provide interviews, work placements or employment.

Please contact marieflinter@thefis.org should you require further information.

FIS supports National Apprenticeship Week to promote skill development

FIS supports National Apprenticeship Week to promote skill development

National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 10 – 16 February 2025 and the theme for this year has been unveiled as Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

FIS is proud to show its support this campaign that highlights the boundless possibilities that can stem from apprenticeships. We are committed to promoting the week and assisting all FIS members in their efforts to do the same. This year’s theme, “Skills for Life,” is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptional work done by our sector in training the next generation.

The week will focus on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. We are calling on employers, training providers, individuals and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife.

From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, the week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife. We are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.

To support National Apprenticeship Week 2025 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help build #SkillsforLife. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for the week.

You can keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week updates by following Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2025 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

National Construction College Interior Systems Installer Provision

National Construction College Interior Systems Installer Provision

FIS is working with the National Construction College (NCC) Bircham Newton to deliver the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship – Ceilings pathway.

Interior System Installer (Ceilings and Partitions) Apprenticeship

The Interior Systems Apprenticeship (Ceilings and Partitions) has been developed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). The Ceiling and Partitions pathway incorporates different ceiling and partition systems within a building.

Programme outline:

  • Start date: February 2025 – (dates are flexible)
  • 24-month programme
  • 9 x 2-week immersive training blocks delivery by industry experts
  • Workplace coaching sessions every 10 weeks support you and the apprentice to implement their new skills and knowledge
  • 3-month end point assessment window includes a knowledge test and practical observation and questioning

National Construction College are also able to offer:

  • Meet (virtual or face to face) with members to discuss and shape the programme in greater detail
  • Set up a Webinar where NCC can share a virtual tour of Bircham and its facilities and answer any questions
  • Facilitate a site tour of Bircham in person to any members and/or potential apprentices

If you are interested in taking on apprentices in this subject, or would like to find out more, please get in touch with marieflinter@thefis.org

To find out more about the standard and what the training entails click here.