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.
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:
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Ensuring fire and acoustic compatibility across wall systems
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Managing interfaces and penetrations
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Clarifying the term ‘fire wall’ and its function
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Working with raised access floors and glazed fire walls
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Understanding imposed load support and detailing
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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.
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.
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:
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.
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
by Oscar Venus | 30 May, 2025 | Skills
CITB is working in collaboration with NHBC to develop new Homebuilding Access Training Standards as part of the wider Homebuilding Access Scheme. This joint initiative, involving CITB, the UK Government, and the National House Building Council, aims to address the critical need for skilled workers to support the construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
These new standards, focused initially on drylining, will be delivered as Short Duration Standards. They are being shaped in direct consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure training is practical, relevant, and aligned with recognised standards.
FIS is encouraging members to get involved and support this important work. If you’re interested in contributing to the development of these standards, please contact Beena Nana.
