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Changes to Skilled Worker Visas

Changes to Skilled Worker Visas

by | 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.

Prioritise the Safety of Your Team with Our Free Online Fire Safety Training Course

Prioritise the Safety of Your Team with Our Free Online Fire Safety Training Course

by | 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.

Course Benefits

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

CITB Employer Network Funding

CITB Employer Network Funding

by | 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

CITB Levy Return

CITB Levy Return

by | 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.

Participate in the Review of Apprenticeship Standards

Participate in the Review of Apprenticeship Standards

by | 23 Nov, 2023 | Skills

This is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about the plastering trade to have their say in shaping the apprenticeship standard.

The level 3 Plasterer Apprenticeship Standard is designed to provide apprentices with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent plasterers. Contributing to the development of this standard will ensure that it meets the needs of the industry and apprentices alike.

If you have experience in the plastering trade or have insights on what should be included in the standard, do not hesitate to contact beenanana@thefis.org and share your input. Your contribution could make a significant impact on the future of the plastering trade in the UK.

Your details will be passed onto the IfATE Standards development team.

Winners announced at 2023 Training Awards

Winners announced at 2023 Training Awards

by | 22 Nov, 2023 | Skills

FIS and Worshipful Company of Plaisterers have announced the winners of the sector Training Awards at its gala lunch held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London today.

In front of a packed audience at Plaisterers’ Hall, the winners of the 2023 Training Awards were announced and presented by Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli. The Awards are a collaboration between FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers to recognise outstanding apprentices and students, and individuals and organisations that have made a lasting contribution to training and development in plastering and interior trades.

Tony Mitchell, Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, said “The Company is absolutely delighted to once again host these prestigious awards in our magnificent Hall.  We are very pleased to have once again teamed up with FIS to recognise the achievements of many within plastering and the finishes and interiors sector”.

Commenting on the awards, FIS President Philip Brown said: “We are delighted to recognise the outstanding talent, both in apprentices and students themselves but also the colleges and training providers and mentors that work so hard to help the students forge hugely successful and rewarding careers.”

The 2023 award winners are:

Student of the Year – Plastering
Winner – Kathryn Doyland (Training Provider: G.R.W.P Llandrillo)
Runners up – Edward Celmins (Training Provider: Carlisle College) and Caroline Moor (Training Provider: Vision West Nottinghamshire College)

Student of the Year – Interior Systems
Winner – Julius Debrah (Employer: MPG Contracts, Training Provider: Now Get Qualified)
Runner up – Dan Title (Employer/Training Provider: V & D Interiors)

Apprentice of the Year – Plastering
Winner – Bella Romain (Employer: Cyfle Building Skills, Training Provider: Coleg Sir Gar)
Runners up – Ryan Stanford (Employer: Locker and Riley,Training Provider: College of North West London) and Deniss Fridenbergs (Employer: Brian Horn Plastering, Training Provider: Carlisle College)

Apprentice of the Year – Interior Systems
Winner – Zara Dupont (Employer: Sparta Systems, Training Provider: Leeds College of Builiding)

Runners up – Ben Comerford and Michael Aarons (Employer: Measom Dryline, Training Provider: Buttercups Training)

British Gypsum Trophy
Now Get Qualified

Saint Gobain Formula Trophy
K L Langton Decorative Plasterwork

Colleges and Independent Training Providers (large)
Winner – NPTC Group of Colleges
Runner up – College of North West London

Colleges and Independent Training Providers (small)
Winner – DMR Training and Consultancy
Runner up – Carlisle College

FIS Member Training Programme
Zentia

Mentor Award
Ben Kerslake – CarringtonLime Heritage Skills CIC

Lifetime Achievement Award
Dave Radley – DMR Training and Consultancy

Our thanks go to our awards and event sponsors British Gypsum, Formula, The Plaisterers Charity, CITB and STEPs.

See photos from the day

See all the winners here

Download the brochure