Skills Archives - Page 24 of 56

Immerse yourself in training using virtual reality

by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2022 | Skills

FIS is supporing a project being led by Hire Association Europe, to provide FIS members the opportunity to experience training delivered using virtual reality (VR). pHAEton is a VR app for mobile phones and tablets and the following modules, applicable to the operations of the sector are currently available:

● Cordless Drill	● Hand-Arm Vibration
● Cut-off Saw	● Materials Hoist
● Dangers of Dust, Silica and Asbestos	● Mental Health at Work
● Dust Extraction	● Reciprocating Saw
● Electrical Safety	● Safe Use of Ladders
● Environment	● Working At Height (Alloy Tower)
● Generators

Each module explores the essentials of safe tool and equipment using interactive puzzles, and each one finishes with a short multiple-choice knowledge test.

The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices and can be run on tablets or using the cardboard headset with a mobile phone for a more virtual experience. Users will be able to provide feedback at a later date.

Search for pHAEton on either the App Store or Google Play

For full access to the app and all of the modules you will require a username and password to get these send an email to fisvr@hae.org.uk including the names and email addresses for all users. Please ensure you include your postal address and we will send a Cardboard VR headset in the post.

Open your doors to help recruit the next generation

by Clair Mooney | 8 Dec, 2022 | Skills

Last chance to register your sites for Open Doors 2023

FIS Supports Open Doors, run on behalf of the industry by Build UK. There is now just one month to go until booking opens for Open Doors visitors on Monday 9 January. Recruiting the next generation is vital if we are to maintain the pipeline of talent coming into the industry, and Open Doors is one of the best ways to show young people the fantastic work we do! Please upload all your sites, factories, offices and other facilities on the Open Doors website as soon as possible and start promoting them to potential visitors in the local area.

Students from Walsall College visited HS2’s Long Itchington Wood Tunnel site last month to kickstart the countdown to Open Doors and 16‐year‐old Ethan said:

“If someone else had the chance [to go on site during Open Doors], I’d say definitely go for it. It gives you a really great insight into all the opportunities and careers, and there’s excellent people to speak to that can recommend any path to you within construction!”.

This short video from the event shows just how we can inspire people across the country to choose a career in construction. Open Doors will run from Monday 13 ‐ Saturday 18 March.

Employer guidance needed for FIS Skills

by Clair Mooney | 24 Nov, 2022 | Skills

There are currently three employer vacancies for members of the FIS Skills Board. The role involves contributing information that will direct FIS in the support needed for the finishes and interiors sector to ensure a competent and safe workforce.

We are looking for employer representatives from installing organisations that can join discussion on the skills needed by the sector so that we can prioritise activities and focus on the areas of greatest concern.

The commitment is four, two-to-three hour meetings per year where we explain the information FIS has and ask for your input. For more information, a copy of the Terms of Reference or an informal chat please contact George Swann on 07553 874383 or email georgeswann@thefis.org or Marie Flinter on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

Training Awards winners announced

by Clair Mooney | 22 Nov, 2022 | Skills

FIS and Worshipful Company of Plaisterers have announced the winners of the new 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 2022 Training Awards were announced and presented by Alderman Sir Charles Bowman of the Lord Mayors Office. 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.

Stephen Gilbert, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, said “The Company is absolutely delighted to once again host these prestigious awards in our magnificent Hall. This year, in an exciting move forward, we are very pleased to have teamed up with FIS to recognise the achievements of many within plastering and finishes and interiors sector”.

Commenting on the awards, FIS Immediate Past President Helen Tapper and Member of The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers Industry Committee said: “We are delighted to recognise and reward the outstanding talent, both in students themselves but also training providers and the mentors that work so hard to help the students forge hugely successful and rewarding careers.”

The 2022 award winners are:

Student of the Year – Plastering
Winner – Natasha Williams
Runners up – Rebecca Street and Jason Ssebbata

Student of the Year – Interior Systems
Winner – Anna Bell
Runners up – Ignas Kurasavos and Tommy Norton

Apprentice of the Year – Plastering
Winner – Johnathan Donaldson
Runners up – Thomas Devine and Lenny Miller

Apprentice of the Year – Interior Systems
Winner – George Batchelor
Runners up – Archie Downham and Ewen MacIntyre

British Gypsum Trophy
Now Get Qualified

Saint Gobain Formula Trophy
BCS Plaster Moulding

Colleges and Independent Training Providers (large)
Winner – NPTC College
Runner up – Leeds College of Building

Colleges and Independent Training Providers (small)
Winner – Craven College
Runner up – Barking and Dagenham College

FIS Member Training Programme
Errigal Contracts

Mentor Award
Rikki Wild – Measom Dryline

Lifetime Achievement Award
Matty McLeish – Tutor, Carlisle College

The awards and event were supported by sponsors Formula, British Gypsum, Go Interiors, Plaisterers Charity, CITB and STEPs.

Read all the information on the winners here

Download the Training Awards Winners Brochure

Guidance on employment entry into construction

by Clair Mooney | 11 Nov, 2022 | Skills

Build UK has published a guide setting out the most common Routes of Entry in Construction for young people in England leaving school, including apprenticeships, traineeships, T Levels and degrees, and how they might suit different employers. Although the routes of entry into the industry can be complex and confusing, employers that understand them are well placed to offer opportunities and recruit their future workforce.

This helps deliver work under:

The CLC’s Skills Plan (pg.10), Priority 2: Routes into Industry to ‘Improve the links between education and employers to support the pathways into and through apprenticeships, T Levels and employment’; and
CITB’s Strategic Plan (pp.8), which states: “supporting and equipping employers and potential entrants with the information they need and making the routes into construction as simple as possible”

The guidance has been endorsed by CITB and the Department of Work & Pensions.

Commenting on the launch, FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann stated:

This is a straight forward brief on what is primarily available in England, if you need more details or have any specific questions, contact me on 07553 874383 or email georgeswann@thefis.org

Apprenticeship training places available

by Clair Mooney | 11 Nov, 2022 | Skills

Apprenticeships are the best way to enhance you workforce and the training is free to employers. FIS members are providing this training and have a number of vacancies for Dryliner apprentices and Ceilings and Partitions apprentices. These are primarily at Leeds College of Building, Bedford College and National Construction College East. In Wales FIS member Direct 2U Training are delivering the new Welsh apprenticeship framework for Drylining and Greenlight Safety and Training who are based in Plymouth. For more details please see the FIS Training Directory or call us on 0121 707 0077.