FIS will help address skills shortages and improve access to specialist training across the fit-out, drylining and plastering industries through the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Specialist Upskilling Fund.

FIS is one of 11 organisations selected following a strong response to the initiative, which aims to remove barriers to specialist construction training and create more opportunities for workers to develop their skills and achieve recognised qualifications, including National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Through the project, FIS will work with employers and training providers to identify skills gaps, strengthen workforce development and ensure workers have the competence needed to meet the changing demands of the industry. The initiative will also help businesses access affordable, high quality, sector specific training and guidance, with a focus on progression towards recognised qualifications.

How can FIS help?

Accessing the right training and qualifications can be challenging, particularly in specialist areas of construction. FIS will support employers through Training Needs Analysis (TNA), offering one-to-one sessions with its skills team to identify workforce skills gaps, assess training requirements and explore the most appropriate training and qualification opportunities.

The support is designed to help businesses:

• Strengthen workforce skills – Upskill teams and develop the specialist skills needed for the future.
• Address skills gaps – Identify workforce training needs and access high-quality, sector-specific training.
• Gain recognised qualifications – Support progression towards relevant industry NVQs.

Could your workforce benefit?

Whether you are looking to develop your team’s skills, address specific training needs or help employees gain specialist qualifications, the initiative provides an opportunity to identify the right support for your business.

Get in touch with FIS (beenanana@thefis.org/marieflinter@thefis.org) to discuss your workforce training needs and find out how a Training Needs Analysis can help identify the right training and qualification opportunities for your business.

FIS has launched a revised Client Guide to Office Fit-Out and Refurbishment to promote best practice in the fit-out process and to take account of new working practices and advances in sustainability.

The situation post-Covid and Grenfell has fundamentally changed the way business environments are used, with ever-increasing agile working and online meetings being the new norms, not the exceptions.  This guide aims to guide you through the process from the initial decision as to whether to refurbish an existing office or relocate and fit-out new premises, through to post-occupancy evaluation.

The authors of this guide understand that not all those involved or sanctioning projects are fully conversant with statutory rules, and may not be industry professionals. With this in mind, a step by-step approach has been produced that clearly identifies all processes from initial concept to successful completion and handover. 

To further support, FIS has also developed the guide into e-learning to provide an interactive alternative. It reflects on the driving forces behind changes to office space design from the responsibilities of a client and other implications of the Building Safety Act such as the interaction with ‘higher risk buildings’ (as defined in the legislation), and how to consider the impact in the early stages of planning a fit-out.  It also reflects the evolution and rapid maturation of best practices and methods of measurement relating to sustainability.

Commenting on the launch of this updated guide, FIS Technical Director James Parlour said:

“Clarity over process and expectations in the fit-out process benefits clients, designers and contractors alike. The guide is aligned with the RIBA plan of works and lays the groundwork for better design that dramatically reduces the risk of delays and non-compliance during the construction phase.”

The guide is freely available from the FIS website at https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/fit-out/client-guide-to-fit-out/ and the e-learning can be accessed via the FIS Academy at https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training-offers-for-members/fis-training-modules/clients-guide-office-fit-out-refurbishment/