Spec Finish

Skills www.thefis.org 9 to find the right career opportunity and, despite support from family and friends, was unable to get his foot in the door with the right employer. When the pandemic hit, Julius had to sign up for Universal Credit; fortunately, his work coach at the local Job Centre Plus spotted an employability opportunity with YB. Julius enrolled and successfully graduated from the programme in July 2021, receiving commendations for his positive work ethic and his determination to succeed. Onwards and upwards FIS member, MPG Contracts, was looking to recruit new entrants. YB arranged for Julius to visit the prestigious Berkley Homes/MPG project at Chelsea Creek, London, to see a real live site in action for himself. MPG was extremely impressed with Julius so offered him a position as a trainee dryliner as part of its Kickstart Scheme. He has been with MPG for more than five months now and is already a valued member of its team. Alex Adams, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager and Training Manager at MPG, said: “We were happy to hire Julius as the YB programme had given him a good grounding; he understood how to use his tools from day one. He has progressed well and impressively gets to work early every day even if working on a new site. I am looking forward to seeing Julius progress further in the coming months and gaining his NVQ2 in drylining with the next 12 months.” Julius said: “I am really happy with my placement. Despite the early morning starts, I am taking it all in my stride. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in supporting me to achieve what I have. I am forever grateful to you all.” Charles Richards, Head of Youth Development at YouthBuild Bootcamp, said: “Julius was a very kind-hearted and ambitious young individual who enjoyed great successes on the YB programme. He demonstrated great passion for the construction industry as well as showing great leadership throughout his journey. We are extremely proud of Julius and wish him all the best for his future.” FIS BuildBack programme Through the CITB-funded BuildBack project, FIS is working in partnership with YB to help members recruit from this pool of new talent and Catherine Bullough, FIS Skills & Training Co-ordinator, said: “Our sector is keen to recruit good young people and the FIS BuildBack programme is an excellent opportunity to give learners an insight into the skills and jobs available.” Craig Hughes, Commissioning Manager at CITB, said: “We are excited to be supporting the FIS BuildBack programme, which will provide new entrants with the skills and opportunities required to be successful in the sector, at such a crucial time. While we face a huge challenge in the coming years to fill skills gaps within construction, the programme will be extremely beneficial in connecting more employers with new recruits and enabling them to benefit from a more diverse pool of talent. “Julius is a fantastic example of the progress you can make. With great passion and a willingness to learn, you can really excel and achieve your goals. We look forward to welcoming more entrants like Julius and watching them flourish through the programme.” There is a widespread shortage of people coming into the finishes and interiors sector. The FIS BuildBack programme is helping employers recruit new talent and deliver key community benefits. For further information please contact catherinebullough@thefis.org www.thefis.org/skills-hub/recruitment- induction/buildback-2 www.ybuk.org www.citb.co.uk 4_SFMar21.indd 1 04/02/2021 09:14 7 2 8 2 50 FIS BuildBack Project The FIS BuildBack Project currently has three routes, dryliner fixer boarder, dryliner finisher and plasterer, more information is at www.thefis.org/skills-hub/ recruitment-induction/buildback/. FIS will support the employing organisation to help the candidates achieve a vocational qualification or an apprenticeship. If you are interested in taking on people and putting them on training courses where they will work towards nationally recognised qualifications , please contact FIS as we will be happy to help.