What is the Fit-out Futures Programme

Welcome to the Fit-out Futures Programme where we are shaping the workforce of tomorrow through structured inductions and targeted work experience into the interior systems trades.

We are focusing on introducing new entrants into construction in a consistent way, built on tested principles that starts people right and reduces wasted time and money.  This will ensure a steady supply of new entrants into the sector who will be trained and skilled tradespeople with the right qualifications for their trade to deliver the projects needed.

New entrants can be:

  • Young people not in education, employment or training
  • Unemployed
  • Ex-military service leavers
  • Diverse groups wishing to join construction
  • Full-time learners (particularly those studying for construction and built environment diplomas).
  • We are also interested in those people retraining in construction.

If you are a college learner who wants to register for work experience with an employer

If you are not in education but are interested in being inducted into the drylining trade

We have a growing network of FIS Approved Training Providers (ATP’s) that support the programme,  see our ATP list here.  We are constantly expanding our network of providers and if you are interested in being at forefront of sector development and sustainability and want to collaborate with us, email info@thefis.org 

Structured Inductions

The programme is designed to provide employers with all the support they need to recruit and induct new trainees in interior system trades.

Not only will it help to future-proof their workforce by providing them with semi-skilled trainees and who could potentially become future apprentices or hires within their businesses but it will, if opting for the Back to Work element allow businesses to meet their social value obligations and help support and retain new talent looking to join our industry.

Employer benefits of taking on interior systems trainees

  • A cost-free initiative for employers to meet social obligations.
  • Employers can meet and interview the trainees before any agreements are made, making sure they find the right candidate for their business.
  • Trainees will have already received basic training in drylining, ceilings,  partitioning or other interior system trades and will be site-ready and will effectively add value to the employer’s project delivery and business from day one.
  • Trainees will be provided with a valid CSCS card, PPE kit and a basic toolkit.
  • Gain leadership experience for your current workforce.

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Targeted Work Experience

The construction industry has experienced unusually high rates of college learner attrition upwards of 70%, where the students learning construction related skills in college aren’t joining the industry once they finish their training. By offering work experience to the college learners, we wish to broaden their understanding of all things construction, let them experience first-hand the many opportunities that exist within the industry and to promote a lifelong career to the next generation of college learners.

Colleges can sign up to the Fit-out Futures programme enabling their learners to secure work experience with employers.  FIS will take care of all the processes and management associated with taking on a learner for the college and employers.

  • We vet and assess the suitability of every learner and employer before any introductions to are made.
  • There are no additional costs to the training providers in supplying suitable learners to employers.
  • Work experience can be spread over the calendar year to suit the employer and learner.
  • FIS will provide ongoing support for the duration of the programme.
  • FIS can administer grants to cover expenses for learners to facilitate work experience placements.

Employer benefits of taking on college learners for work experience

  • A cost-free initiative for employers to meet social obligations.
  • Employers can meet and personally select candidates they want to offer work experience to, ensuring they are the best fit for their organisation.
  • Gain mentoring and leadership experience for their current workforce.
  • Work experience dates and schedules are tailored to suit employers needs
  • There are no entry requirements to work experience.

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Employers who sign up to providing work experience for the Fit-out Futures programme will be recognised as FIS Sector Skills Champions through our FIS Sector Skills Pledge,  become recognised as an employer who goes the extra mile.

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If you would like to know more or wish to speak to a member of the team please email paulglover@thefis.org or ring 0121 707 0077