0121 707 0077

Access funding from the CITB Skills and Training Fund

Access funding from the CITB Skills and Training Fund

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

Supporting Skills for the Future: CITB Homebuilding Access Training Standards – Drylining

Supporting Skills for the Future: CITB Homebuilding Access Training Standards – Drylining

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.

Construction to Production Masterclass

Construction to Production Masterclass

Transform your construction projects with Toyota’s production thinking.

The Construction to Production Toyota Masterclass is a one-day, high-impact programme designed specifically for Directors, Business Owners, and Operational Leaders in the construction industry. Hosted in collaboration with Toyota at the Deeside Engine Plant, the masterclass provides a rare opportunity to see Toyota’s Production System (TPS) in action and learn how to apply these principles to overcome common construction challenges.

Why attend?

  • Learn from industry leaders – see the world’s leading production system in action
  • Exclusive access – Gain insights from Toyota’s Lean Management Centre and experts
  • Tailored for Construction – specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the construction sector.

Full details are available here. There are just two spaces remaining on the one-day course on 29 May.

The cost to attend is £495 and funding is available through the Employer Network funding of up to 70%. If you are interested in signing up, call: 07973 705018, email: contact@bbiservices.com or visit: www.bbiservices.com for details.

Further courses are planned for later in the year.

FIS Members vote “No” to CITB Levy proposals

FIS Members vote “No” to CITB Levy proposals

1Following a vote of the FIS membership on the level of money proposed to be collected for the construction industry levy by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), FIS has voted against the CITB proposal.  A full report has been provided to CITB documenting the result and delivering direct feedback from the community.

The Construction Industry Levy is collected and distributed by CITB in a process governed by the Industrial Training Act.  FIS, as a CITB Prescribed Organisation according to the Act, are required to consult with Levy paying members of FIS through the defined process and respond collectively on their behalf.

The proposals for raising and collecting the Levy for the next 3 years (2026 – 2029) were

  • 0.35% on PAYE staff
  • 1.25% on Net paid (taxable) CIS sub-contractors

Employers with an annual wage bill of less than £150k will be exempt and employers with an annual wage bill of between £150k and £500k will receive a 50% deduction on the Levy assessment, meaning employers will only pay the full assessment if their annual wage bill is £500k or above.

FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee stated: “This vote is a clear indication that the levy is not working for the majority of our members, that they have not seen enough improvement since the last consensus vote and do not have confidence that the proposed CITB Strategic Plan will do enough to shift the dial.

The skills issue is perhaps the biggest challenge facing construction and any levy designed to alleviate this can only be judged by results.  Members are simply not seeing the flow of people, the availability and quality of qualification provision and access to the wider training they need, particularly to support the high levels of contingent workforce necessitated by procurement practices in the sector.”

FIS is one of 14 consensus organisations and the vote will be considered in line with others.  The overall outcome of the consensus process is expected to be communicated by CITB to the industry after consultation with government over the summer.

Whatever the final outcome, FIS will continue to help members to utilise levy paid where appropriate through the one-to-one FIS Skills Clinics. If any member would like help in understanding what grant claims they are eligible for, Marie Flinter, FIS Skills and Training Advisor will be able to provide support.

For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

CITB initiates review of National Occupational Standards for Plastering

CITB initiates review of National Occupational Standards for Plastering

As part of this process, members of the plastering sector are being contacted to participate in the review.  This offers a chance for industry professionals to influence the standards that will ultimately shape N/SVQs.

CITB are seeking representation from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the consultation planned to begin in the next couple of weeks.

Interested parties can complete the provided form https://forms.office.com/e/rgVfxvSymW to participate.

More information on National Occupational Standards can be found here: National Occupational Standards (NOS) – CITB

SFS competency framework

SFS competency framework

We are offering members the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed competency framework for SFS.

FIS has been working with members and CITB to develop this, and it is now available for review for a 30-day period (1 May to 2 June 2025).  These frameworks define the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours essential for each trade. The framework can be viewed here https://citb.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/CF_SFS