FIS Skills, the specialist skills delivery team of FIS, are running an open day at Tyne Metropolitan college on Monday 10 April to showcase their flagship BuildBack programme, raise awareness within the sector of what is achievable with cross-industry collaboration and celebrate the success of the first pilot in Newcastle.

FIS president Steve Coley and MP for North Tyneside Mary Glindon will attend along with representatives from BuildBack partnerships and local employers to experience first-hand the trainees putting their training into practice.

The BuildBack programme is designed to provide opportunities for job seekers who are serious about developing a career in drylining. Trainees complete a two-week Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP) in drylining course at Tyne Metropolitan college to develop the skills and competencies required for installing drylining, followed by a two-week work placement on-site with a local employer.

All trainees will be offered at least one job interview and those who secure full-time employment with an employer will have their fees paid for ongoing training to NVQ Level 2 in drylining. All trainees will receive free personal protective equipment (PPE) and have their CSCS card paid for.

For further information on BuildBack and all partners involved, go to www.thefis.org/skills-hub/sector-training/buildback-programme

BuildBack project manager Paul Glover said: “With the training completed for the first pilot, I was delighted to hear that one trainee has already been offered a job with an employer he was placed with. This shows that the BuildBack programme works and clearly demonstrates how FIS Skills are helping new entrants into the sector and closing the skills gap.”

Helen Yeulet, the director of FIS Skills, said: “From an employer’s perspective, this offers new labour that is semi-skilled and keen to progress a career in drylining at minimum cost to them. We are keen for employers to take advantage of this scheme that will handle the recruitment, the training elements and ensure that they have fully skilled labour within six-months.”

Local employers can register their interest in the BuildBack programme by emailing: skills@thefis.org

www.thefis.org/skills-hub/sector-training/buildback-programme

Helen Yeulet (centre) is pictured with Tyne Metropolitan college representatives Dave Weatherburn (left) and Stevan Dawson (right).