by Clair Mooney | 11 Jan, 2024 | Skills
FIS is continuing its work with No Going Back, an initiative to support prison leavers, and an opportunity has come up to visit HMP Brixton.
The visit will take place on Thursday 25 January from 9am and we are looking for members to join us to explain the pathways into the sector and how they can build a lasting career.
The individuals attending this event are within their release window and have an interest in drylining and construction, as well as those actively enrolled in the drylining workshop.
Instructors at HMP Brixton will provide details on the training individuals have undertaken during their sentence. Additionally, No Going Back and Employers can deliver an overall presentation (a talk on the company and pathways to roles in the industry) and men could showcase different drylining tasks.
There will then be dedicated time for one-on-one sessions between employers and the prison leavers.
If you can support this event, email beenanana@thefis.org by Tuesday 16 January as the prison will then be able to promote the event.
by Clair Mooney | 4 Jan, 2024 | Skills, Sustainability
The Supply Chain Sustainability School and FIS have collaborated to bring you a range of workshops and webinars specific to the finishes and interiors sector. We’ve highlighted below all the upcoming sessions and relevant resources.
Introduction to Modern Slavery with Willmott Dixon
Tuesday 16 January 2024, 10 – 11am
This webinar will introduce you to the topic of modern slavery featuring insights from Willmott Dixon.
REGISTER HERE
Using Lean for Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving
Tuesday 23 January, 10am – 12pm
REGISTER HERE
Net Zero, SBTs and Carbon Offsetting
Thursday 1 February, 10 – 11am
REGISTER HERE
Introduction to Circular Economy
Thursday 15 February, 12 – 1pm
REGISTER HERE
Embedding Sustainable Procurement
Wednesday 21 February, 9:30 – 11:30am
REGISTER HERE
by Oscar Venus | 8 Dec, 2023 | Skills
The Government has announced a number of changes to the Points‐Based Immigration System (PBIS) designed to reduce overall net migration. From next spring, the Government will increase the earning threshold for the Skilled Worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700, as well as raise the Immigration Health Surcharge from £624 to £1,035. The Shortage Occupations List will also be replaced with a new ‘Immigration Salary List’, which will retain a general salary discount but include fewer occupations.
Under the PBIS, most workers from outside the UK in construction are ‘skilled workers’ and require a Skilled Worker visa to work in an eligible occupation. Build UK’s flowchart provides an overview of the process of employing a worker from outside the UK, with detailed guidance on How to Get a Sponsor Licence and How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa.
by Oscar Venus | 4 Dec, 2023 | Health and Safety, Skills
Sign up for our free online fire safety training course and start learning today! Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards, all from the comfort of your own home. This course is specifically designed for those working in the construction industry but it is open to everyone who is interested in improving their awareness of fire safety in the workplace.
Importance of Fire Safety Awareness
Fire safety awareness is crucial for everyone. Being responsible and aware of potential fire hazards can reduce the risk of a fire taking place, improve evacuation procedures, and minimise harm to people.
By enrolling in our course, you’ll have access to a range of benefits, including:
- 12-month access to interactive online course materials
- Certification upon passing the end-of-course exam
- Learn at your own pace – complete the course in as little as 2 hours or take your time to explore the content fully
- Study with flexibility – you’ll have 12 months of unlimited access to the eLearning portal
- You decide when to learn – fit your learning around your lifestyle, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening
- 100% online learning, no tutor involvement – get started right away, no need to travel or take time off work
- Become safer on site – upon completing the course, you’ll gain a five-year fire safety awareness qualification
Is This the Right Course for You?
If you work in construction, live in the UK, want to improve your knowledge of fire safety awareness, or want to demonstrate to your employer that you are committed to a positive health and safety culture, then this is the course for you!
Access the course here
by Clair Mooney | 30 Nov, 2023 | Skills
CITB Homebuilding Funding Pilot
The CITB Homebuilding Network is a 12-month pilot which can support CITB registered homebuilding employers and their supply chain, to access subsidised training without the need for employers to claim the CITB grant.
The pilot, which has been extended to the whole of England is aimed at smaller to medium homebuilders and their supply chain. Larger home builders are also able to apply for support for their supply chain.
Examples of training which can be funded include Fire Safety for Low Rise Flats, Housing, Building Regulations and Controls, Net Zero Carbon Foundations Courses.
(Below is a list of courses that can be funded and delivered by Saint-Gobain Training academies)
- Introduction to Single Frame Partitions (Metal Stud) (2 days) – Classroom
- Introduction to GypCeiling MF (MF Ceilings) (1 day) – Classroom
- Hand Taping (2 days) – Classroom: SUITABLE FOR DECORATORS
- Machine Taping (3 days) – Classroom: ALSO SUITABLE FOR DECORATORS
- Drylining Dab (Dot and Dab) (2 days) – Classroom
- Residential Site Managers Course (1 day) – Classroom
To discuss your training needs further please contact Farhan.Sattar@citb.co.uk or marieflinter@thefis.org
by Oscar Venus | 23 Nov, 2023 | Skills
Submitting the Levy Return by the deadline is not only important for your company’s eligibility for grant claims, but it’s also a legal requirement. The Levy Return is an annual submission that outlines the amount of money your company owes for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Levy.
The levy is a small percentage of your company’s total payroll, and it’s used to fund training and qualifications for the construction industry.
If you’re unsure about how to complete the Levy Return, CITB has a range of resources available to help. You can access online guides, attend webinars, or even book a one-to-one appointment with a CITB advisor. It’s important to note that if you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to submit the Levy Return until the next year, and you’ll be liable to a penalty fee.
So, don’t wait until the last minute to submit your Levy Return. Take advantage of the resources provided by CITB, and ensure that your company remains eligible for grant claims for the upcoming year.
