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Inspiring the Next Generation: The Vital Role of STEM Ambassadors in Construction Apprenticeships

by Oscar Venus | 30 Jan, 2025 | Main News Feed

In an era where the construction industry is evolving rapidly, the need for skilled apprentices is more crucial than ever. Enter STEM Ambassadors—dedicated professionals who leverage their expertise and passion to inspire the next generation of workers. Their impact on encouraging apprenticeships within the construction sector is significant, and here’s how they do it.

1. Sharing Real-World Experiences

STEM Ambassadors bring invaluable insights from their personal career journeys, shedding light on the diverse opportunities that the construction sector offers. By sharing their day-to-day experiences, challenges, and successes, they paint a realistic picture of the industry. This transparency not only sparks interest but also motivates apprentices to envision themselves in various roles within construction.

2. Engaging Workshops and Demonstrations

Hands-on learning is a powerful tool, and STEM Ambassadors excel at it. By hosting interactive workshops and demonstrations, they allow apprentices to engage with the practical aspects of construction. Whether it’s through virtual reality tours of construction sites or live demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, these experiences make the learning process engaging and tangible, igniting a passion for the field.

3. Mentoring and Guidance

The journey through training and career development can be daunting, but with STEM Ambassadors as mentors, apprentices gain invaluable support. Establishing mentorship programs fosters an environment where apprentices can receive guidance, navigate challenges, and build confidence. This mentorship not only helps in skill development but also creates a sense of belonging within the industry.

4. Highlighting the Role of Technology

Technology is reshaping the construction landscape, and STEM Ambassadors play a pivotal role in showcasing its potential. By demonstrating the use of drones, 3D printing, and sustainable building practices, they illustrate the innovative nature of modern construction. This not only attracts tech-savvy individuals to the field but also highlights the exciting prospects that lie ahead.

5. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

A thriving construction industry is one that embraces diversity. STEM Ambassadors actively advocate for inclusivity by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups. By sharing success stories and providing resources, they help break down stereotypes and create opportunities for a more diverse workforce, enriching the industry as a whole.

6. Creating Pathways to Apprenticeships

Collaboration is key in building a robust workforce. STEM Ambassadors work with educational institutions and industry partners to create clear pathways to apprenticeships. By developing tailored programs that align with industry needs, they ensure that apprentices receive the necessary training for a successful career, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Through these multifaceted efforts, STEM Ambassadors are not just inspiring apprentices; they are helping to shape the future of the construction industry. By emphasising the dynamic and rewarding nature of construction, they are cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals ready to embrace growth and innovation. As they continue to champion the cause, the future of construction looks brighter than ever.

Are you interested in becoming a STEM Ambassador? Get in touch with our STEM advisor Marie Flinter to find out more

FIS supports National Apprenticeship Week to promote skill development

by Oscar Venus | 23 Jan, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills

National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 10 – 16 February 2025 and the theme for this year has been unveiled as Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

FIS is proud to show its support this campaign that highlights the boundless possibilities that can stem from apprenticeships. We are committed to promoting the week and assisting all FIS members in their efforts to do the same. This year’s theme, “Skills for Life,” is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptional work done by our sector in training the next generation.

The week will focus on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. We are calling on employers, training providers, individuals and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife.

From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, the week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife. We are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.

To support National Apprenticeship Week 2025 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help build #SkillsforLife. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for the week.

You can keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week updates by following Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2025 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

Trends in sustainable solutions for the built environment

by Clair Mooney | 22 Jan, 2025 | Main News Feed, Sustainability

FIS is pleased to be featured as one of the innovative solutions providers in the UK Green Builing Council’s (UKGBC) Trends in Sustainable Solutions Report.

Buildings are a crucial area of opportunity when it comes to environmental and social sustainability, as reflected at COP29 with the launch of the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate.

In 2024, the new Government accelerated green reforms demonstrating a strong narrative around climate ambitions, particularly in relation to new build and retrofit. Going forward the hope is this narrative crystalises into tangible and robust policies, importantly as the UK’s Climate Change Committee’s new Progress Report saw buildings emerge as a priority item on the agenda putting them in the focus for decarbonisation efforts.

However, this is a steep challenge as the industry needs to almost halve its emissions by 2030 (compared to a 2018 baseline) and decarbonise fully by 2050, while addressing other areas of sustainability, including enhancing resilience, social value, health & wellbeing, nature & biodiversity and reducing resource use. Meeting this challenge not only requires innovation in technologies, business models and ways of operating, but also increased and more strategic implementation of existing sustainable solutions.

FIS Sustainability Lead, Flavie Lowres said:

Sustainability is finally moving at pace, but it is still hard to define what needs to be done. This UKGBC report turns theory into practical applications by providing a list of example solutions/initiatives. It is great that UKGBC has picked up on our FIS Reuse Initiative – it shows we are moving in the right direction and asking the right questions.

This report summarises a range of sustainable solution trends that UKGBC has seen over the course of 2024, provides context on their use, and comments on the relevant driving forces in the UK market. The solutions discussed range from innovative new platforms and materials to transformative business models and processes. The analysis is based on engagement with innovation-focused UKGBC members (including input from UKGBC’s Solutions & Innovation Advisory Group), interviews with UKGBC topic leads, and desktop research.

Trends in Sustainable Solutions 2024

Access the report here

Inheritance tax reform

by Clair Mooney | 10 Jan, 2025 | Main News Feed

Through our umbrella body Build UK, FIS is supporting Family Business UK’s calls for the Government to consult on the changes to inheritance tax announced in the last Budget.

In an open letter to the Chancellor, 32 trade associations have warned that changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief will affect businesses across the country, including those in construction, and starve the economy of investment.

Common Assessment Standard

by Clair Mooney | 9 Jan, 2025 | Main News Feed

The Government has published the Procurement Specific Questionnaire for use by public sector clients under the Procurement Act from 24 February 2025, which confirms that the Common Assessment Standard, developed by Build UK, should continue to be used for pre‐qualifying suppliers for ‘works’ contracts.

This is consistent with the position under PPN 03/24 and the Procurement Specific Questionnaire specifies at paragraph 45 that “public contracts for works should continue to use the questions set out in the Common Assessment Standard…and where possible, contracting authorities should avoid requiring Common Assessment Standard certified suppliers to re‐input their information”, which will reduce duplication for the supply chain even further.

The Common Assessment Standard has two levels of certification ‐ desktop and site‐based ‐ and companies can apply to any one of the Recognised Assessment Bodies for the appropriate level depending on their trade, size and the requirements of their clients.

To find out more about the Common Assessment Standard click here

FIS is encouraging members to advertise their support for the Common Assessment Standard and adopt a Responsible No when asked to complete multiple PQQs. We accept that this is difficult in a commercial tender situation and time is often too tight, but we have prepared a short email that we suggest our members send to their client to help raise awareness of the efficiencies that the Common Assessment Standard brings. This email template is available here Common Assessment Standard Template Email.

If companies are failing to adopt the Common Assessment Standard, please Complete the FIS Whistleblowing form here and we will follow-up independently. (All information will be treated in the strictest confidence ensuring no member is named or disadvantaged in any way by our follow-up).

FIS Attends SkillBuild 2024 – Congratulations to all the winners

by Oscar Venus | 22 Nov, 2024 | Main News Feed

SkillBuild 2024 proved to be a tremendous success, highlighting remarkable talent and creative energy.

The FIS team was in attendance, advocating for the interior sector with FIS Head of Skills and Training, Beena Nana, who was graciously hosted by Locker & Riley at their booth. On the second day, Greg Greves joined Beena, interacting with our members and identifying emerging stars in our industry.

After the event, Beena shared her thoughts:

“It was an honor to be part of the Construction Showcase at the SkillBuild Finals. Witnessing such talented individuals showcase their abilities was genuinely inspiring, and it was uplifting to see the industry come together to celebrate pride in their craft while connecting with fellow apprentices and trainees. The event truly celebrated construction, and I believe the many young people, educators, and careers advisors who attended caught a glimpse of a future they might one day embrace. We are dedicated to supporting SkillBuild and eagerly anticipate collaborating with CITB and colleagues from various trades to enhance its impact.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners from the event (notably FIS Members Michael amd Owen from Errigal who placed 1st and 2nd in the Dryliing Competition and Dawson from Tyne Metropolitan College who came third and Niall from Newcastle College and Wesley from Leeds College of Building who placed in the Plastering). All involved should be commended for using their efforts.

Discover the full list of winners here