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Labour shortages, the number one concern for FIS

Labour shortages, the number one concern for FIS

by | 29 Jan, 2021 | Labour, Membership, Skills

In a report on CNews today, FIS has continued to raise concerns about potential labour shortages.

Iain McIlwee, FIS CEO commented: As the article in CN news reflets, the extent of the immigration issue is still very much unknown, but it is concerning, especially in our sector where over 40% of the workforce is from the EU.  What we do know is that over 40% of our members are currently reporting a shortage and 60% are expecting one, how bad it will get we don’t fully know right now, but we anticipate that it will impact rates and programmes.   The problem has two parts, the immediate concern over who will stay and settle, we are trying to understand the cliff ledge post-Christmas and there is potentially another one coming in the summer when the Right to Works checks kick in.  But, that is only part of the problem – even if all the EU workers return and stay, our annual recruitment and training target has doubled over night, because many trades do not make it on the skilled or shortage occupation list and so the EU tap is well and truly off.  If just 5-10% opt to ply their trade within the EU instead, this target triples, quadruples and so on.  This is the number one concern for the FIS as we move into 2021 – the infrastructure and time just isn’t in place to solve this – realistically we need to see some relaxation of the rules to give us time to transition.

Read the full article here: Labour shortages could raise rates ‘at least 10%’

Additional funding for training completed since 1 August

Additional funding for training completed since 1 August

by | 25 Jan, 2021 | Membership, Skills

The FIS Training Group has secured additional funding to support the cost of training and qualifications completed by FIS employer members in scope to CITB.

The additional funding, of up to £2,000 per company, covers a range of training from generic health and safety through to specialist courses such as spray plastering, deflection heads or fire door inspection and includes vocational qualification achievement.  This funding is in addition to the CITB grant eligible training (GET) code grant you already claim from CITB.

How to claim

Simply send the invoice for training completed since 1st August 2020 to info@thefis.org if it meets the criteria set out below, we will arrange a refund to the full 100% of the course cost (up to a maximum of £2,000 per company, less the grant already claimed from CITB and less VAT incurred).  The funding will be available on a first come, first served basis.

For a full list of eligible courses please see: CITB training standards

CITB GET Fund FIS Supplement Terms and Conditions

  1. The supplement cannot be used for GET codes that are already included on an individual employer contracted CITB Skills and Training allocation.
  2. An FIS supplement can only be paid to organisations ‘in scope’ to CITB and up to date with levy payments.
  3. The supplement is primarily for micro and small organisations no more than 25% of the total fund can be paid to large organisations (100 or more employees).
  4. Non grant eligible training is not covered by this supplement.
  5. Training must have taken place between 01 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 and have been completed before applying.
  6. Training must have been completed by delegates who are currently employed by or are NET (taxed) Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) sub-contractors of CITB registered employers.
  7. Invoices supplied must show the full costs of the training completed including CITB registration number, Training Provider, course name, CITB GET code, Tier value, date of completion, number of delegates, course cost and VAT.
  8. Successful applications will be notified within 25 working days.
  9. Payments will be made when the invoice is verified.

Funding is limited so cannot be guaranteed.

FIS is happy to review and support all of your funding claims through our one to one Skills and Funding Clinics.

This is a service freely available to members through the booking form here.  Members are also strongly advised to apply for the CITB Skills and Training Fund 2020 which can allow organisations to claim up to £25,000 to support their training needs.

FIS releases new competency framework

FIS releases new competency framework

by | 25 Jan, 2021 | Building Safety Act, Skills

FIS has launched Career and Competency Pathways ways as the first in a structured approach to defining competency and career paths within the Finishes and Interiors Sector.  

The new Framework is built on the principles of the FIS Competency Skill, Attitude, Knowledge and Experience (SAKE) Framework and provides an example of how an individual can progress in a finishes and interiors occupation.  It is designed to help companies manage competency in the face of intense scrutiny and new requirements coming into force through the Building Safety Bill. The Framework provides some standardisation and lays down clear criteria to assess and prove competence at every level of the workforce.

Commenting on the launch of the Pathways, FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann said:  “The Pathways brings a structured approach to career management based on the development of skills, knowledge and building experience. It aims to support and encourage career progression by passing defining competency gateways based on measured outcomes and linking this back to qualifications and training available.  Our hope is that this makes it easier for everybody – new entrants, experienced workers, supervisors and managers – to follow how individuals progress within our sector and understand how to nurture and demonstrate competence.”

The Pathways looks at both formal and informal training requirements.  Whilst formally recognised qualifications form the bedrock of progression through an occupation and are the criteria for CSCS card registration, these are not the only measure of competence.  At each step in a career progression, the matrix suggests informal training that may support individual and organisational needs.

For new entrants to the sector, embedded in the matrix are details of apprenticeships delivered in each of the home nations.  All listed training, qualifications and apprenticeships are available through the FIS Approved Training Provider Network.

“As a guide the matrix proposes ‘normal time frames’ based on the maximum formal qualification completion times or Total Qualification Times, but recognises individuals learn at different rates, so these may not always be applicable.  Attitude and opportunity may move people through a career faster than others, but at each stage proof of competency is vital,” added George Swann.

Initial work has taken place on Drylining and Ceiling Fixing Pathways and FIS aims to launch further frameworks to cover the core occupational areas within the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector workforce in the coming months.

For more information and to view the Career and Competency Path click here

For more information on FIS Skills and Competency Work visit our the FIS Skills Hub 

HSE’s most popular courses now available online from anywhere in the world

HSE’s most popular courses now available online from anywhere in the world

by | 24 Jan, 2021 | Skills

HSE have made sure that you will still have a direct dialogue with their experts, a high level of interaction with the other attendees, and lots of opportunities to ask questions. Printed course material will be delivered direct to your door.

Upcoming courses include:

View HSE full course schedule

Get involved in National Apprenticeship Week

Get involved in National Apprenticeship Week

by | 22 Jan, 2021 | Skills

National Apprentice Week is fast approaching and will run from 8 to 14 February 2021. It provides an opportunity for organisations to showcase the contribution they are making to the future finishes and interiors workforce and society. The Week can provide a platform to come together and celebrate apprenticeship journeys and successes as well as to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who makes them possible.

How to get involved

“Build the Future” is the theme for NAW2021 and the core focus is to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.  Key to this is positive stories, if you are thinking about taking on an apprentice in the finishes and interiors sector, have an apprenticeship success story (either yourself or someone you supported with an apprenticeship that has flourished in your business) please contact the FIS Team.

For the very first time, National Apprentice Week is entirely based in a digital world. From virtual career fairs through to factory tours. There will be personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships help to #BuildTheFuture.

You can also join in the conversation with the #AskAnApprentice or #AskAnEmployer sessions to help employers, potential apprentices, teachers and parents understand the real benefits of apprenticeships.

Thinking about taking on an Apprentice

FIS has a raft of information on Apprenticeships, including our Guidance for Employers.   If you have plans for National Apprentice Week or have a story that you want to share/tell, please get in touch so we can share via SpecFinish and our Social Channels.

Alternatively give us a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org – we will be happy to help.

Positive stories from the Finishes and Interiors Sector

Find out how FIS Member EE Smith are making apprenticeships work and riding high (the highest placed construction company) in the UKs Top 100 Apprentice Employers.

Find out more about some of the amazing apprentices who have been recognised through the FIS Fit-Out Futures Awards.

For updates during the week follow FIS on Twitter or FIS on Linkedin

Events during National Apprentice Week

Hold the date:  Wednesday 10th February Midday, FIS is hosting a dedicated webinar focussed on support for apprentices.

Applications open for the new Employer Directory for Apprenticeship EQA

Applications open for the new Employer Directory for Apprenticeship EQA

by | 21 Jan, 2021 | Skills

The Institute announced its plans to move to a simplified EQA system in August 2020. The changes will see EQA delivered by Ofqual or, for integrated degree apprenticeships, the Office for Students (OfS).

The Institute is now setting up a new group of professional and employer-led organisations – called the Employer Directory – for Ofqual and OfS to draw on industry expertise.

We want as many sector representative bodies as possible to apply and support us with real industry insight. This will keep employers at the heart of protecting quality in apprenticeships. Please share the Institute’s employer directory page with your networks and across your social media channels.