by Clair Mooney | 10 Apr, 2025 | Skills
Come and see us on 30 April at Build East Stratford
FIS has partnered with The Skills Centre to deliver Skills Bootcamps to address the growing skills shortage in the finishes and interiors sector.
To support this, we would like to invite you to your local Bootcamp which is taking place on 30 April at Build East, Stratford to see first-hand the candidates who are currently undertaking training in Internal / External Insulation and Drylining.
As part of the bootcamp, we are looking for employers who can offer interviews, two-week work placements and/or employment opportunities for these candidates.
Funded by the Department for Education, these bootcamps provide a pathway for those looking to enter construction or upskill into a more specialist role. But without the support of employers these individuals may never enter construction.
By coming along, you can meet the individuals and see the training in action. The Internal / External Insulation and Dry Lining Bootcamps have a duration of 8 weeks, which include 2 weeks work experience, an outline of what is included as part of a bootcamp is listed below:
Training and Qualifications*:
- Cskills Level 1 Health & Safety
- CITB CSCS Health & Safety Environment (Green Card)
- Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit
- Level 2 Removing Non-Hazardous Waste in the Workplace (Blue Card)
- Environmental awareness in the construction industry
- Introduction to Interior Systems
- Introduction to Passive Fire
*Actual qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery.
If you are interested in finding out more about this initiative contact beenanana@thefis.org
We hope to see you there.
Bootcamp dates and venues
- Build East Stratford, London – visit 30 April 2 – 4pm
- Birmingham, Aston – date to be confirmed
- Essex, West Horndon – visit 14 May 12 – 2pm
- Edgware, London – date to be confirmed
by Oscar Venus | 10 Apr, 2025 | Labour, Skills
FIS is proud to be partnering with Building Our Skills to deliver an exciting Careers Festival – 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.
Taking place on Tuesday 20th May at the AluK Design Centre in London, this one-day event will bring together school-aged children, teachers, careers advisors, and parents to explore what a future in construction could look like. The festival 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:
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Position construction as an exciting and rewarding long-term career
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Provide clear, practical information and guidance
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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.
Event Details
Tuesday 20th May
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
AluK Design Centre, Henry Thomas House, 5-11 Worship St, London EC2A 2BH
Interested in Taking Part?
If you’d like to be part of this inspiring day and help us shape the future of our industry, please get in touch with Beena Nana at
beenanana@thefis.org by Friday 8 May.
by Oscar Venus | 10 Apr, 2025 | Labour, Skills
FIS joins concerns in the level of challenges that the workforce are facing as we take part in last week’s Build UK Forum, where we joined industry peers to explore the initial findings of ongoing research by Warwick University into workforce challenges across construction.
The discussion reinforced what many within the finishes and interiors sector are already experiencing which is that the way our industry operates has a direct impact not only on the ability to recruit and retain skilled workers, but also on overall quality, productivity, and performance.
The research is shedding light on some of the key structural and cultural issues affecting our workforce, including:
- High levels of self-employment
- Intense project timelines and long working hours
- Extended periods working away from home
- A lack of recognition and reward
- Poor mental health and wellbeing support
As a sector already facing a significant skills gap, these findings underline the urgent need for change. We welcome Warwick University’s continued work, particularly its focus on understanding what draws new entrants into the industry. This insight will be critical to shaping more effective recruitment strategies and building a more sustainable and supportive working environment.
FIS remains committed to supporting members in tackling these challenges and championing improvements that will help attract and retain the skilled workforce our sector needs.
by Clair Mooney | 7 Apr, 2025 | Awards, Skills
FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers have once again joined forces and are delighted to announce that entries are now open for the annual Training Awards, an award event which recognises excellence and achievement in the recruitment, training and development of people in plastering and interior trades.
The awards, which are headline sponsored by British Gypsum, will once again showcase the very best of the sector’s occupations and the achievements of students and apprentices, supportive employers and mentors, colleges and training providers. Last year saw 11 award winners including Plastering Apprentice of the Year Paige Williams of Drywall Contracts, Interior Trades Apprentice of the Year Shaun McKenna from Errigal Contracts, and Carlisle College and NPTC College all recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sector.
The 2025 award categories will acknowledge the students, mentors and training providers who have made an exceptional contribution to learning and development in the sector.
The 2025 award categories are:
- Apprentice of the Year – Plastering Trades
- Apprentice of the Year – Interior Trades
- Apprentice of the Year – Professional
- Student of the Year – Plastering Trades
- Student of the Year – Interior Trades
- Colleges and Independent Training Providers
- FIS Member Training Programme
- Formula Trophy – supported by Formula, this award recognises contributions to the development of skills and long-term future of Fibrous and GRG plasterwork
- Training Champion
- Rising Star
- Lifetime Contribution to Training
Master Plaisterer James Minett said:
“These awards are a highlight of the Plaisterers year and enable us to recognise professionalism across the sector. We look forward to welcoming winners and runners up in our wonderful Livery Hall.”
FIS President Ian Strangward added:
“The future of our industry depends on the skills, dedication, and passion of those committed to learning and development. The 2025 Training Awards celebrate not only the students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment but also the mentors and training providers who inspire, guide, and elevate the next generation of talent. Their hard work ensures that excellence in finishes and interiors continues to thrive. Congratulations to all those who have made an exceptional contribution – your efforts shape the future of our sector.”
Entry into the awards is now open and closes on 1 August. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall on 25 November.
For more details on entering these awards visit www.thefis.org/training-awards-home/
by Oscar Venus | 28 Mar, 2025 | Skills
Promising to ‘back the builders, not the blockers’ in Wednesday’s Spring Statement, the Chancellor has announced £600 million of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers by 2029 in order to tackle the industry’s skills shortages. The funding package is designed to ensure the Government can meet its target of delivering 1.5 million new homes as part of its Plan for Change and includes:
- £165 million to help colleges deliver more construction courses
- £100 million to fund 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges
- £100 million to expand Skills Bootcamps, ensuring new entrants, returners or those looking to upskill within the industry will be able to do so
- £100 million to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, supported by a £32 million contribution from CITB
- £80 million for a capital fund to support employers to deliver bespoke training based on their needs
- £40 million for new construction foundation apprenticeships to be launched in August 2025
- £20 million to form partnerships between colleges and construction companies within all Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas.
The funding will be overseen by a new Construction Skills Mission Board, co-chaired by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Build UK member Mace Group and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) which will develop and deliver a construction skills action plan and provide strategic leadership to the sector. The huge success of Open Doors last week shows that people are interested in joining construction and Mark has called on the industry to “embrace the Government’s growth mission and match their ambition” by investing in new jobs and training. This is a great opportunity to address some long-standing skills issues and scale up the systems we have in place to make a real difference to employers across the supply chain and their workforce.
by Clair Mooney | 28 Mar, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills
The Skills Centre at Southwark are running new Skills Bootcamps in partnership with FIS in Internal / External Insulation and Drylining and we are seeking employers support in offering a work trial and/or potential employment to candidates that are taking part.
The Skills Bootcamps are aimed at London residents aged 19+ and start of various dates from 1 April 2025.
These intensive, hands-on training programmes are designed to equip individuals with the critical skills needed to meet our industry demands. The bootcamps will provide practical experience, industry-relevant knowledge, and career support; helping bridge the gap between talent supply and employer needs. They offer entry routes into construction and green construction as well as upskilling opportunities for those already in the industry.
If you are interested in supporting and are able to provide work experience or employment please get in touch with Beena Nana or Marie Flinter at FIS.
As part of this partnership with The Skills Centre, there is an opportunity for employers to visit the centre and see first-hand the training that is taking place. Details are below:
Date: 9 April
Time: 11-2
Address: Surrey Quays Road, Junction of Canada Street, London SE16 7PJ
