In light of latest changes and new support through the Government’s Plan for Jobs, FIS has updated the FIS Guide to Taking on an Apprentice.  This simple guide is designed to support businesses in taking that vital first step in taking on an apprentice.  It sets out to introduce companies to the raft of support that is available to them and to understand what their options are.

FIS Skills and Training Lead commented “Taking on an apprentice will ensure the succession of the current workforce.  This FIS guide is designed to help and support employers through the apprenticeship process, but the main message is that FIS are here to help at every stage.  With new restrictions on immigration and tightening in requirements to demonstrate competence in construction, it is more than ever vital that businesses in the finishes and interiors sector look to apprenticeships and traineeships to attack any emerging shortage of skilled workers.

There are encouraging signs with additional financial support from Government, growing interest from training providers in the new Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship in England and activities like BuildBack and KickStart coming on stream to support recruitment and new entrant development.  But all of this will be in vain if companies and employers don’t rise to this challenge and invest in the home population.”

The guide is free to download from the FIS website here
More information on the CITB backed FIS BuildBack programme
More information on the Government backed FIS Kickstart programme
For all information on FIS Skills Support click here