Marvin OnumonuThe Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has teamed up with The Skills Centre to help address the shortage of skilled workers in the finishes and interiors sector.
The partnership will see The Skills Centre run a number of bootcamps, which aim to give people hands-on training and the knowledge they need to start out in the finishes and interiors sector.
The first course is an introduction to insulation and drylining and lasts eight weeks, free for participants, who get a level two qualification on completion.
Additionally, a drylining apprenticeship will also be available for local candidates who come through the bootcamps.
The specialist training will cover partition walls, MF ceilings, grid ceilings, shaft walls, Metsec installation, rainscreen cladding and passive fire protection.
Research from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) previously found the construction sector needed another 251,500 workers by 2028.
FIS members also reported problems finding skilled workers, with 61% saying they were struggling to recruit.
Demand for insulation and drylining skills is expected to keep rising as the UK pushes towards its net zero targets and work on retrofit projects increases towards the 2050 deadline.
FIS encouraged employers to offer interview opportunities or work experience placements to help develop the workforce and fill the talent gap in the sector.
Beena Nana, head of skills at FIS, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Skills Centre to enhance the support we provide to our members while tackling the growing skills shortages in our industry.
“This partnership enables us to combine resources and expertise, fostering opportunities for development, training, and growth, which will ultimately benefit our members and the broader community by addressing critical workforce challenges.”
Sam Downton, director at The Skills Centre, said: “Our new partnership with FIS marks a significant step forward for the interior systems and drylining sector.
“This part of the industry plays a critical role in shaping the internal environments where we live, work, and learn—but it continues to face skills shortages and often flies under the radar as a long-term, rewarding career option.
“Joining forces with FIS brings together their sector leadership and our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training.”
Downton added: “Central to this partnership are our specialist Bootcamps, which are imperative for attracting new talent into the industry.
“They provide a direct route for individuals – many of whom are new to construction – to gain essential skills, site experience, and the confidence to move straight into employment.
“For employers, these Bootcamps open up access to a wider, work-ready talent pool and offer a practical solution to workforce gaps.”
He said: “Together with FIS, we’re not only building stronger pathways into the sector, but also helping to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and skilled future for interior systems and drylining across London and Essex.”
