In comparison the total numbers for the same period in the Finishes and Interiors Sector are:

Number of registered apprentices:

• England:
  • Interior Systems Installer ST0388 = 90 (average annual starts 150)
  • Plasterer ST0096 = 470 (average annual starts 629)
• England old framework (VQ outcome) = 62 Interior System, 240 Plastering
• Scotland = 88 Interior Systems, 70 Plastering
• Wales = 9 Interior Systems, 51 Plastering
• Completed VQ’s in Interior Systems = 1720
• Completed VQ’s in Plastering = 1380

A few factors will have contributed to the thriving numbers, including the Apprenticeship Employer Grant of £5,000, which was launched by the Scottish Government and SDS back in 2020-21.  Additionally, those employers were supported by approximately £1.25m in CITB attendance grants.  To date, there are 4,500 apprentices in Scotland with Levy-registered employers, who benefit from just over £90m in direct and indirect grants from CITB and SDS.

With much of the industry relying on word-of-mouth methods to recruit, it can be difficult to reach a more diverse range of applicants.  Looking ahead, FIS is keen to support employers in this space, helping them create a more inclusive workplace, where the sector can benefit from the wide range of skills and traits.

George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead says.  “Wherever you are located in the UK, if your organisation is looking to take on apprentices now is the time to get vacancies up on platforms like Construction TalentView: Employer Registration and National Apprenticeship Services: Creating an Apprenticeship Advert  to see existing vacancies go to: Find Apprenticeships Dryliners .

FIS is happy to support with any skills and training questions. Contact George on 07553 874838.

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FIS is excited to announce the return of Regional Workshops, with the first event since before the pandemic scheduled for Central London on the 22nd March.  This will be followed by a series of events in Bristol, Leicester, Dartford, Manchester and Glasgow running through to May.

With labour shortages and recruitment a key challenge within the sector, the core theme for these events is a collective response to labour shortages and attracting the next generation of workers.  Time will be allowed for open discussion and networking.    

The core aim is to look individually and collectively at how we can better target recruitment through schools, colleges and local networks, develop local training networks and access all available funding to build a sustainable workforce.  Focus will be on understanding local need and opportunities, developing a network of ambassadors and looking particularly at apprenticeships, but also the wider vocational qualification landscape and competency in the existing workforce.

The FIS team will be supported by representatives of CITB and local speakers aiming to give members fresh ideas, a clear plan of action and understanding of the support available to attack their skills gap.  This will include ideas and resources to support approaches to local schools, how to work more effectively with the Department of Work and Pensions, case studies and a list of initiatives and funding that can support your recruitment efforts and induction and development of workers.  Details of the support available from CITB for recruiting and qualifying people will also be given and there will be plenty of time for questions.

Six events have been scheduled to be held across the UK.  These are breakfast events 07:30 until 09:45 so employers can attend, get a bit of breakfast discuss recruitment and qualification needs and identify how FIS can help prior to starting the working day.

Locations
London – 22 March
Leicester – 30 March
Bristol – 5 April
Dartford – 26 April
Manchester – 10 May
Glasgow – 11 May

Please look out for your individual email invitation from FIS or reserve your place via the FIS Events page.  If you would like more information contact Skills and Training Lead George Swann on 07553 874838 or email georgeswann@thefis.org

Apprentices are a vital investment in the future. A well managed programme can help enhance productivity, improve business performance and develop a committed and competent workforce.

To help support businesses in taking on an apprentice, FIS has created a useful guide detailing the support and funding available to help you to make your apprenticeship programme a success. It provides employers with the information needed to recruit, register and secure funding for apprentices.  The guide includes information on the apprenticeship funding pledge and receive system and details on the CITB Grant ‘Travel to Train’.

The guide also includes access to the CITB Apprenticeship Recruitment Toolkit, which provides further guidance for recruiting and supporting apprenticeships.  The toolkit details the various routes to hiring an apprentice across England, Scotland, and Wales.  There is also, a choice of four other sections to explore, including support available from CITB.  This includes assisting employers with completing paperwork, or financial support, with a breakdown on how to claim funding and CITB grants for apprentices.  

If you would like to talk through the options for employing apprentices give us a call, 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org we will be happy to help.

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is well underway and this year’s theme ‘Build the Future’ provides an opportunity for organisations to inform young people in England and Wales how they can pursue a rewarding career in construction and showcase the contribution they are making to the future finishes and interiors workforce.

It also ensures as a sector, we come together and celebrate apprenticeship journeys and successes as well as to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who makes them possible.

We are thrilled to have seen so many members get involved showcasing their apprentices. If you haven’t already done so, it’s not too late to get involved!

• Celebrate your apprentices ‐ Put your apprentices front and centre of your business and on social media using the hashtag #NAW2022
• Use your Apprenticeship Levy ‐ make sure you are using your Apprenticeship Levy or pledging it to other employers in your supply chain via the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer to help them deliver their apprenticeships.
• Promote your apprenticeship vacancies ‐ Ensure all your apprenticeship opportunities are registered on the FIS JobSpot and let us know about work placement opportunities.

Support and advice

The FIS website has a range of tips and advice on how you can look at taking on apprentices, including our FIS Apprentice – Guidance for Employers.

We can also support you in taking on an apprentice and accessing the appropriate funding. Contact the FIS team on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org to start the conversation.

For updates during the week follow FIS on Twitter or FIS on Linkedin and if you are sharing an apprenticeship story, please tag us in so we can help amplify on behalf of our community.

Prior to sign up you will need an apprenticeship service account

Create an account to manage apprenticeships – Manage apprentices (manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk)

Transferring Your Apprenticeship Levy to Another Business

Transferring your apprenticeship levy to another business – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

An apprenticeship levy paying employer can transfer up to 25% of their annual levy funds to another employer to pay for the training and assessment costs for apprenticeship standards. Transfers can support new apprenticeship starts, this includes existing staff starting an apprenticeship or where the apprentice’s employer has changed. Transfers may be used to support the skills gaps and shortages within locations or sectors.

Receive a Levy Transfer from another Business to Fund an Apprenticeship

Receive a levy transfer from another business to fund an apprenticeship – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Transfers is one way of receiving funding to support the costs of apprenticeship training and assessment. By receiving a transfer, if you do not pay the levy then you will save the 5% employer co-investment. Also, transfers do not count towards reservation of funds. Apprenticeships are not just for new employees; they are available to upskill existing employees too.