by Clair Mooney | 13 Jan, 2023 | Skills
National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 6 to 12 February 2023 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
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 2023 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 2023 updates by following @Apprenticeships on Twitter and Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2023 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.
To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.
by Clair Mooney | 13 Jan, 2023 | Skills
Labour and skills shortages, and an aging workforce remain a key issue for the finishes and interiors sector. There is also a growing requirement to demonstrate competence. To this end FIS is conducting a census of its workforce via its Skills Pulse Survey. This census will provide vital data to help understand where we are at now, target resources, support representational work and provide a framework for organisations to benchmark, and FIS to measure impact and progress.
It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete this survey and the closing date for responses is Friday 17 February 2023.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Dec, 2022 | Skills
FIS is working with CITB to develop training standards for the finishes and interiors sector, these standards will attract Grant Eligible Training, GET code support per candidate as follows:
- Tier 1 £30
- Tier 2 £70
- Tier 3 £120
FIS has been requested to seek subject matter experts to populate standards with the following titles:
TS0200 Grant Tier 1 British Gypsum Site Managers Certificate Interior Systems Installation (title will probably change to Interior Systems Site Managers Certificate)
TS0203 Grant Tier 2 Ceiling Fixing Installation
TS1966 Grant Tier 2 Introduction to setting out and installation of lay in grid systems
TS0198 Grant Tier 1 Movable Partitioning Installation
TS1963 Grant Tier 2 The design and selection of correct systems (acoustic/fire/loading and penetrations)
TS1965 Grant Tier 2 The introduction to identifying laying grid suspended ceiling systems
TS1967 Grant Tier 2 The repairs and alterations of laying grid system and various types of ceiling tiles
TS1490 Grant Tier 2 Producing Internal Solid Finishes
TS1491 Grant Tier 2 Producing External Render Finishes
TS1492 Grant Tier 2 Applying Plasters to Complex Internal Surfaces
TS1498 Grant Tier 2 Producing Specialist Plastering Finishes
TS1505 Grant Tier 2 Applying Projection Plaster and Maintaining Equipment
If you would like to get involved in this work, potentially one day of your time in the new year, please email George Swann georgeswann@thefis.org or if you would like discuss in more detail call George on 07553 874383.
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.
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.
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
