News
Candidates successfully complete BuildBack programme and now ready for work
Certificates were presented to Sandwell College adult learners to mark their successful completion of the FIS BuildBack Drylining Programme. The learners received training in drylining fixer boarder and finisher across a six week programme. Stuart Smith Project...
Mixed signs for construction activity
The latest information from Builders’ Conference shows that there were 441 contracts worth £7.5 billion awarded in September. Whilst the value was 60% higher than the previous month (£4.7 billion), it did include a £2.2 billion contract for the Colne Valley Viaduct...
Get your complimentary ticket at the Workspace Design Show
FIS is proud to partner with the first ever Workspace Design Show which will take place on 4-5 November 2021 at the Business Design Centre in London. This event is a must-attend for anyone in the sector – and it is free to attend! After all the recent disruption to...
£3,000 incentive payment for hiring an apprentice extended
At this week’s Conservative Party Conference there was a clear focus on skills, with the Chancellor announcing a £500 million expansion to the Plan for Jobs. This includes extending the £3,000 incentive payment for businesses hiring an apprentice until 31 January...
Construction’s important role in the post-Covid recovery
Later this month the Chancellor of the Exchequer will set out his Autumn Budget and Spending Review to Parliament. It should not be underestimated how important this is both to the UK economy, and to companies from across the UK construction industry. This Spending...
English apprenticeships recognition of prior learning
The Education and Skills Funding Agency have updated the guidance on apprenticeships initial assessment to recognise prior learning. The updated guidance supports providers to tailor apprenticeship programmes to meet apprentices’ needs by establishing the correct...
HSE respiratory health inspection initiative for the construction sector
HSE’s inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 4 October 2021. This year inspections will focus on respiratory risks and...
Free occupational health and safety guidance for SME’s
A new international standard on mental health, ISO 45003, has been published to provide guidance on managing the psychological health of the workforce as part of an occupational H&S management system. It is available free of charge to SMEs and other organisations...
Government announces measures to ease risk of shortages
The Government has announced a package of measures to tackle the shortage of HGV drivers, which is causing widespread disruption across supply chains. It includes training 4,000 new drivers, offering 5,000 temporary visas for HGV drivers in the run up to Christmas,...