Skills Archives - Page 4 of 55

Provide your feedback on the new Drylining and Plastering Competency Framework

by Clair Mooney | 1 Jul, 2025 | Drylining, Skills

FIS has been working with members and colleagues from across the sector to develop the competency frameworks for Drylining and Plastering, which are now available for a 30-day online review and feedback period (30 June to 29 July 2025). This work is being carried out through Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) Programee, a cross-sector working group, focussing on the development of competence frameworks for the built environment, raising standards. Set up in 2018 as the Competence Steering Group, several competence frameworks have been delivered. With the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator, a structure is in place to allow a focus on broader industry representation, engagement and alignment across multiple competence programmes.

We would encourage members to provide feedback and comments, as these frameworks define the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours essential for the trade. These frameworks will support the development of qualifcations and demonstration of competence in the sector.

Link to the consultations can be found here:
Drylining – citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/AJ25_2DL

Fibrous Plastering – citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/AJ25_3FB

There are also webinars, which CITB will host to go through the frameworks and how they have been developed, links to these can be found below:

Fibrous Plastering 15 July 2025, 2pm – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1423415206199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Drylining webinar 16 July 2025, 2pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1431668612359?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information on the Competence Frameworks click here

Young Builder of the Year Awards now open for entries

by Clair Mooney | 26 Jun, 2025 | Skills

YouthBuild UK are now accepting entries for its Young Builder of the Year Awards, in which they recognise and celebrate the achievements of young people, who despite having to overcome a range of challenges, have succeeded in training or gaining employment in the construction industry.

Established for over 20 years, they are seeking entries for young people in education, training or employment, aged:

14 – 18 years old at 1 January 2025
19 – 24 years old at 1 January 2025

The winners are unveiled at a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Commons on 15 October and all finalists receive a cash prize.

If there is an individual you would like to nominate who has overcome personal difficulties and barriers to succeed you can find out more the awards and submit your nomination here.

FIS Launches New Online Training Module: Walls as a System

by Oscar Venus | 26 Jun, 2025 | Drylining, Skills

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new online training module based on its industry-recognised guidance Walls as a System. Designed to support specifiers, designers, contractors, and building owners, the module promotes a holistic approach to wall system design and installation, helping to ensure compliance and compatibility across components.

Modern construction often sees building elements such as partitions, glazing, and doors specified in isolation, which can lead to performance failures and compliance issues. This training tackles that challenge head-on by focusing on how these components interact and perform together as part of a single, integrated system.

The training supports the key principles of the Building Safety Act and aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work. It covers essential topics such as:

Ensuring fire and acoustic compatibility across wall systems
Managing interfaces and penetrations
Clarifying the term ‘fire wall’ and its function
Working with raised access floors and glazed fire walls
Understanding imposed load support and detailing
Navigating standards and responsibilities at every project stage

Developed in collaboration with technical experts and peer-reviewed by leading organisations including ASDMA, DHF, GIRI, GAI, GPDA and PFKG, this training offers practical, relevant insight into best practices for wall design in the finishes and interiors sector.

The Walls as a System module is now available on the FIS Training Portal and is free to access for FIS members.

Access the training module

Click here

Building Our Skills careers festivals

by Clair Mooney | 26 Jun, 2025 | Skills

FIS is proud to be partnering with Building Our Skills to deliver exciting Careers Festivals – showcasing ‘50 Careers in a Day’ – designed to open young minds to the diverse opportunities available within the finishes and interiors sector and the wider construction industry.

The careers festivals are taking place on

16 October – St Andrews Stadium, Birmingham
13 November – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

These events will bring together school-aged children, teachers, careers advisors, and parents to explore what a future in construction could look like. The festivals will feature real stories from real people, with industry professionals sharing insights into their own career journeys, what inspired them, and the variety of roles available across the sector.

Why get involved?

This initiative is about more than just awareness — it’s about making construction a career of choice for the next generation. The event aims to:

Position construction as an exciting and rewarding long-term career
Provide clear, practical information and guidance
Enable direct engagement with passionate people working in the industry

We’re inviting FIS members to get involved — whether it’s by giving a short talk, sharing your story, or bringing along a hands-on activity that helps bring your work to life.

Are you interested in taking part?

If you’d like to be part of this inspiring day and help us shape the future of our industry, email Beena Nana by 25 June.

Inspire the Next Generation – Become a Go Construct STEM Ambassador

by Oscar Venus | 20 Jun, 2025 | Skills

FIS is encouraging members to get involved with the Go Construct STEM Ambassador Programme, a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the finishes and interiors sector.

Passionate about inspiring young people and raising awareness of careers in construction? Join one of the upcoming Go Construct webinars to discover how STEM Ambassadors are already making an impact and how you can play a part. You’ll be introduced to the STEM Learning platform, get a step-by-step guide to becoming an Ambassador, and have the chance to sign up live.

Upcoming webinar sessions:

Thursday 17 July | 1:00 – 2:00pm
Tuesday 19 August | 1:00 – 2:00pm

Whether you’re new to outreach or already active in career engagement, this is a great way to boost your confidence, connect with schools and colleges, and support young people exploring construction careers.

To register for your preferred session, contact Marie Flinter at marieflinter@thefis.org.

Let’s work together to make a real difference in the sector’s future.

Access funding from the CITB Skills and Training Fund

by Clair Mooney | 18 Jun, 2025 | Skills

CITB’s Skills and Training Fund is an opportunity for businesses to train/upskill their workforce. By offering funding in advance of training, businesses can access training programs tailored to their specific needs.

Please note:

Up to two applications per year: Businesses can apply twice in a 12-month period but can only have one active project at a time, so you’ll need to manage your applications accordingly.
Levy return: Your business must be up to date with its Levy Return to be eligible for the funding.

Funding Bands:

Small and Micro Sized Employers

Employers with CIS only (no PAYE) can receive up to £2,500
Employers with 1 to 49 directly-employed staff can receive up to £5,000
Employers with 50 to 74 directly-employed staff can receive up to £7,500
Employers with 75 to 99 directly-employed staff can receive up to £10,000

Medium Sized Employers

Employers with between 100 and 149 directly employed staff can receive up to £15,000
Employers with between 150 and 199 directly employed staff can receive up to £20,000
Employers with between 200 and 250 directly employed staff can receive up to £25,000

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with marieflinter@thefis.org