FIS Skills, the specialist skills delivery arm of FIS, is rolling out its flagship BuildBack programme in Birmingham to develop drylining skills and help employers to fill a current skills gaps in the finishes and interiors sector.

Midlands-based employers are invited to a BuildBack assessment day at Birmingham South & City College’s Bordesley Green construction campus on Friday 16 February 2018.

FIS is delivering BuildBack in collaboration with Birmingham City Council and this is an opportunity for employers to prove they are fulfilling Section 106 obligations. In addition, employers will be able to take on semi-skilled dryliners for a two-week period, providing wage-free assistance on projects.

The assessment day will provide an opportunity to meet with BuildBack trainees, look around the college facilities, and talk to college staff, other employers and partners supporting the programme.

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 in drylining course (SUP) at Birmingham South & City college to develop the skills and competencies required for installing drylining, followed by two weeks’ 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.

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.”

BuildBack will be rolled out in other areas in the coming months as part of FIS’s Fit-Out Futures programme and its commitment to the sector to address the skills shortages and enable new entrants to join skilled trades.

Midlands-based employers wanting to register their interest in attending the assessment day on Friday 16 February should email skills@thefis.org

FIND OUT MORE

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