Recruiting your workforce

Effectively targetting the 700,000 annual school leavers and inspiring young people to think about a career in construction is critical.  To support you in this work the STEM Construction and Built Environment Ambassador programme provides vital training, tools and support – giving you confidence that the message is right and we are working (and learning) consistently as a sector.  Becoming an ambassador will also plug you in to the STEM network and will open up opportunities to visit schools and careers fairs.

Ambassadors play an essential role in inspiring young people to think about a career in construction through a range of activities – these include school presentations, careers talks and mentoring.  If you are interested in becoming a STEM Construction and Built Environment Ambassador, you can find out more here.  Remember you are not alone and we are here to help.  At FIS we have members of our team who have completed the training and are actively working as ambassadors, we are maintaining a network of ambassadors and are using this network to better understand how to target our approach and to develop resources.

If your organisation is thinking about recruitment you may wish to consider offering Work Placements.  These can be organised via your local school or college or you may wish to participate in a funded programme supporting candidates studying for T’Levels.  Work placements offer fantastic methods of encouraging people into the finishes and interiors sector and contrary to popular belief do not require CSCS cards or special insurance provisions.  FIS developed a guide to offering work placements abailable via the link below.
If you are not sure and would like to discuss your options please give FIS a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org we will be happy to talk you through all of the recruitment schemes currently available.

Looking for trainees or apprentices?   Talentview  is a free service provided by the Construction Talent Retention Scheme (CTRS) with support from the Construction Leadership Council.

Employers can freely advertise opportunities for new trainees or apprentices that will be amplified through all available channels.

FIS has worked with the Charity BounceBack on training programmes to support the finishes and interiors sector. Bounce Back is a Charity and a Social Enterprise focused on the training and employment of people in and leaving prison.  They offer courses in drylining and painting and decorating that are relevant to our sector.  If you are interested in finding out more about BounceBack, click on the link below.  If you are interested in talking to FIS Members who have been involved, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Established in 2014, Building Heroes is a gateway service supporting military families and are members of FIS.  This organisation provides training and employment support to service leavers who are looking for a new career in construction by training individuals with a broad range of trade skills and then connecting them with a network of employers.  Building Heroes recruitment provides a personalised service that matches the right candidate to the right job.  Embedded in their training is a Dry Lining option, aligned to the FIS BuildBack programme.  The organisation is currently looking to place individuals who have completed this programme (which includes two weeks of introductory training)

For further information including details of their introduction fees please contact Rachel Fianko rachelf@buildingheroes.org.uk

In addition, the Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) also provide support to Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families to enable them to access new careers and training opportunities.  Through their links with the Careers Transition Partnership, employers can access a high quality, no cost recruitment service.  Candidates are highly motivated and experienced ex-military personnel, ready to bring their considerable skills and abilities to your organisation.

Women represent only 11% of the construction workforce in the UK and less than 3% of trade workers.  Ethnic minorities and those with mental and physical challenges are all to often overlooked.  We need to be better if we are going to address the profoud sklls shortage in the sector.  This starts with culture.  FIS have produced a Fairness, Inclusivity and Respect Toolkit to help members to improve processes and drive change.  We also have a partnership with Women Into Construction and are actively encouraging members to join that network.