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STEPs ahead – supporting the delivery of drylining vocational qualifications and apprenticeships

STEPs ahead – supporting the delivery of drylining vocational qualifications and apprenticeships

by | 16 Jun, 2023 | Drylining, Skills

FIS, in partnership with e-Aptitude, is proud to announce the launch of its FIS STEPs Vocational Knowledge Programme for Drylining.  This specialised technical education programme, which was produced by e-Aptitude with support from FIS, has been designed to support training providers in delivering apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications (VQs) and candidates in achieving their qualifications in Drylining.

Divided into multiple modules, this online training resource provides:

  • Access to clear, concise and accessible knowledge training to support candidates’ practical experience.
  • Delivers consistent and up-to-date knowledge training.
  • Resource for delivery of guided learning in group theory sessions.
  • The facility to set tasks for self-learning and test retention of material.
  • Tracks and monitors progress of candidates throughout the programme.
  • Statistics and reporting data for management of trainees.

FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee said:

This is a learning resource that will support consistent delivery of the knowledge elements of both the apprenticeship and in support of those working towards assessment for a vocational qualification.  As we move into the new era of competence, the sector must have a more consistent approach to instilling knowledge in anyone joining our workforce and this is a vital step forward for competency in the drylining sector.

Steve Halcrow, director of e-Aptitude, added:

The STEPs team is proud to be partnering with FIS on a project that is so vital for the future of our sector.  High quality, consistent knowledge information is a key part of the training for a drylining apprentice and will be a powerful tool for employers and Training Providers delivering there apprenticeship.

FIS promotion of drylining training and our collaboration on this e-learning program, is a major step forward for our industry.

For further information or for any questions please email contact@stepsdigitalfis.co.uk or contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

Independent review into the Industry Training Boards

Independent review into the Industry Training Boards

by | 15 Jun, 2023 | Skills

The Department for Education (DfE) will imminently be announcing its scheduled review into the role and effectiveness of both the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

Last undertaken in 2017, the review will assess the extent to which each Arm’s Length Body (ALB) performs effectively and delivers services that meet the needs of industry. The review is a requirement set by the Cabinet Office for all public bodies to be reviewed periodically.

The review is part of a wider programme across government to ensure that ALBs remain effective into the future.

The review will consider the ongoing need for the Industry Training Boards (ITBs), the effectiveness of the levy process and how it is invested, so that they continue to deliver for the public and represent a responsible use of levy funds.

It will consider the ITBs’ operating models, governance, accountability models and impact.

CITB has said that it will work closely with the review team to make visible its present impact, and demonstrate its plans and industry collaboration to deliver skills and training for the challenges ahead.

The review will be led by an independent lead reviewer, Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast Consultancy. He will be supported by a team of civil servants from the DfE. The review will also access expertise from the respective industries that the ITBs support as well as from across Whitehall

The DfE will shortly announce a call for evidence from stakeholders on GOV.UK and would particularly welcome contributions from employers in scope of the existing CITB levy orders, as well as trade bodies and representative groups from the construction industry. The call for evidence will inform early recommendations to ministers in late summer.

The DfE will provide contact details for submissions of evidence in the near future.

FAQs

Why is the review of the CITB and ECITB taking place?
The review is a requirement set by the Cabinet Office for public bodies to be reviewed based on level of risk. It will assess the extent to which Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB) performs effectively and delivers services that meet the needs of industry. The last CITB review took place in 2017.

Who are the review team?
The review will be led by an independent lead reviewer, Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast Consultancy and co-chair of Constructing Excellence, supported by a small team within DfE.

How can we get involved in the review?
DfE will shortly be announcing a call for evidence from stakeholders on GOV.UK. DfE would particularly welcome contributions from employers in scope to CITB, as well as trade bodies and representative groups from the construction industry. The call for evidence will inform early recommendations to ministers in late summer.

The DfE will provide contact details for submissions of evidence in the near future.

What is the Review likely to consider?
The extent of the review will ultimately be decided by the Lead Reviewer, but this will be influenced by guidance provided by the Cabinet office. The overall purpose of an ALB review is to ensure there is still a need for the functions carried out by an ALB, that the ALB is the right vehicle to carry out those functions, to consider alternative approaches to deliver the functions, assess the impact the ALB has and to determine any ways of making the ALB more effective and efficient.

When will the outcome be announced?
A final report and recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Education at the end of 2023. Ministers will then assess the recommendations and determine the Government’s response having taken CITB views on the recommendations into account.

Is this different to the Consensus process?
Yes. The ALB review is a fundamental review of the organisation, its impact and future need. Consensus on the other hand is a very specific process carried out (usually) every three years to assess the industry’s views on CITB’s (ECITB’s) proposals for raising Levy over the next three years and their plans for effective use of the Levy generated. The next CITB Consensus process is due to take place between February and April 2024.

 

Construction: an industry of opportunity

Construction: an industry of opportunity

by | 9 Jun, 2023 | Skills

Opportunity – for young people, employers and society – is central to the new Construction Leadership Council’s skills plan.

The plan shows how much Construction and built environment has to offer society and provides solutions to short and long-term challenges. Construction is a major engine of the UK economy employing 2.7m people, contributing 8% output to the economy.  The plan recognises the great potential industry has on themes including:

  • Innovation and creativity. Construction will be at the forefront of arguably the biggest challenge facing humankind – climate change – which makes our industry a career of meaning and value.
  • Jobs. Industry offers high-skilled, well-paid jobs, the chance for workers to take modern, green skills across the globe.
  • New entrants. Construction gives people a chance in life. As CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon wrote recently: “Industry loves to see fresh talent which is why new entrants with a great attitude are welcomed with open arms.”
  • Of course, our work on the plan did not blind us to the pressing issues construction and built environment faces.

Yes, there is a skills challenge.

Yes, the pace of diversity and modernising needs to increase.

And, yes, the record on mental health needs to improve rapidly. Industry is working on these issues day in, day out.

But it’s important to recognise the genuine change and opportunity our industry is undergoing and has to offer.

There’s a lot on the agenda, much to look forward to, here’s what we’re planning.

Aims

The aim of the plan is to offer solutions to short and long-term construction skills challenges in England.

These include how to:

  • Meet employers’ demand for skilled workers.
  • Train and retain people.
  • Ensure the workforce is competent.
  • Expand construction and built environment’s career appeal.
  • Train experienced workers to become teachers.

The plan outlines how industry can deliver the workers industry needs through shared, aligned priorities. These priorities are: culture change; routes into construction and built environment; competence and future skills.

Working on those priorities won’t be easy, particularly in the short-term, given the economic outlook for the rest of the year.

However, the long term forecast for construction and built environment output is positive.

Recent headlines have been promising, too. CITB estimates an extra 225,000 workers will be required across the UK from 2023 – 2027.

Culture

The aims of last year’s plan were focussed on culture change and diversity. These themes will be important part of our work during in the year ahead.

CLC projects for 2023-24 include:

  • A pilot to give schoolchildren a chance to learn about a career in construction
  • The launch of a new competence approach to ensure there is an accepted, accredited definition of competence for all construction and built environment occupations.
  • Expanding the new entrant apprenticeship brokerage service and introducing a new apprenticeship mentoring standard to increase apprenticeship starts, continuation and completions.
  • The launch of Phase 1 of the Career Pathway Hub, an online portal aimed at defining high value career pathways for net zero, digitalisation, smart construction and repair maintenance and improvement.

To deliver this plan, partnering for skills is paramount. This means employers of all sizes investing in people, improving industry’s working culture and attracting new talent for future skills demand.

Multiplier

There are a variety of practical ways people across industry can support the plan.

These include:

We want to involve more small businesses in our work, to get a real multiplier effect on what we’re trying to achieve. For that to happen, collaboration is essential.

Take advantage of this month’s training offers

Take advantage of this month’s training offers

by | 26 May, 2023 | Skills

Funding is available to support individuals achieving a Level 2 NVQ in Drylining (London based) and a Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Working Supervision (London and Birmingham based only).

Candidates must be 19+ years old and if the employer is CITB registered and up to date with its levy return, there are substantial grants available to cover the cost of the training. Full details below.

London ONLY
Level 2 NVQ in Drylining – heavily discounted and if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy you may receive £600 grant cover plus cash back.

200 places remaining.

Level 3 NVQs in Occupational Working Supervision – FREE and you will be able to claim back £600pp if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy return.

70 places remaining.

Birmingham – ONLY

Level 3 NVQs in Occupational Working Supervision – FREE and you will be able to claim back £600pp if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy return.

10 spaces remaining.

Don’t miss out on accessing this valuable funding. For more information contact Marie Flinter at FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

Operational Standards Rules and Building Inspector Competence Framework

Operational Standards Rules and Building Inspector Competence Framework

by | 12 May, 2023 | Building Safety Act, Skills

The Operational Standards Rules (OSRs) will apply from April 2024 and set out the practices, procedures, and performance standards that the Building Safety Regulator expects from Local Authorities and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) in relation to their building control functions.

This is underpinned by monitoring arrangements that include key performance indicators and reportable data.

The OSRs can be found here.  

Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICOF)
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) oversees building control bodies (individual professionals, local authorities, and registered building control approvers). From Spring 2024 building control bodies and professionals must follow mandatory codes and standards for building control. All registered building inspectors, public and private sector, must demonstrate competence against the building inspector competence framework. It sets out the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours required of individuals performing their role as a building inspector registered with the Building Safety Regulator.

The register will open in October, the framework can be found here. 

FIS CEO Iain McIlwee commented:

“We are now starting to see the detail emerge into how the Building Control Process will function for Local Authorities and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs).  Looking at the expectations that the Building Safety Regulator is placing on Building Control to demonstrate competence is helpful as it gives us insight into how the direction of travel they expect for all Duty Holders and those give responsibility for compliance in the construction process”.

FIS Competency Management Plan

Download your copy here
Fully Funded L2 Passive Fire Protection NVQs

Fully Funded L2 Passive Fire Protection NVQs

by | 28 Apr, 2023 | Skills

FIS approved training provider The Skills Centre is offering 40 free fully funded NVQs L2 Passive Fire Protection (OSAT).

To be eligible, the employees (trainee) residential address and CIS must be within non-devolved Council areas in England. If unsure we are happy to advise.

Funding will be offered on a first come, first served basis and priority will be given to FIS members. The employee must register before 31 May 2023.

If you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy you can also claim £600 on completion of the NVQ.

For more information, contact Marie Flinter on marieflinter@thefis.org or call 07799 903 103.