FIS seeks employers to place drylining bootcamp learners at Stratford skills centre

FIS, the trade body for the finishes and interiors sector, has asked employers to offer interviews, two-week work placements and jobs to learners on the drylining Skills Bootcamps it runs with The Skills Centre in Stratford, London.

The call, published on 27 October, sets out three weeks in which firms can visit the Build East Skills Centre on Bassett Lane to meet learners: the weeks starting 9 November, 14 December and 1 February. FIS said more opportunities would follow in 2027.

According to FIS, each candidate completes an intensive four-week programme developed with industry input and focused on the practical skills needed for drylining and interior fit-out roles. Employers wanting to attend or offer opportunities should contact Marie Flinter at FIS, the body said.

FIS said firms taking part would gain early access to entry-level talent with relevant training, a direct recruitment pipeline and support in meeting social value and local employment commitments.

How the programme has developed

The partnership between FIS and The Skills Centre was first announced on 15 April 2025. At that point FIS described the first course as a free eight-week Introduction to Insulation and Drylining programme; its current call describes a four-week programme.

Sam Downton, Director at The Skills Centre, said at the launch: "Our new partnership with FIS marks a significant step forward for the interior systems and drylining sector."

FIS had invited employers to visit the same programme at Build East from 12 to 16 October. In an earlier post it said it aimed to roll the bootcamp model out more widely across the UK, but that success depended on industry engagement. In February it said it could discuss funding available to support employers taking individuals on to a Level 2 trade qualification.

The skills gap

When the partnership launched, FIS cited Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) figures that construction would need an additional 251,500 workers by 2028, and said 61% of its members reported struggling to find skilled workers.

Beena Nana, FIS Head of Skills, said at the time: "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Skills Centre to enhance the support we provide to our members".

FIS describes itself as the not-for-profit representative body for the £12bn finishes and interiors sector in the UK, with more than 600 members.

The Skills Centre says it provides construction training and career support from entry level to NVQ level 7 and has delivered construction-related training to more than 35,000 residents across London and the South East, the West Midlands and the UK. Its website counters show 11 locations and 827 apprenticeships created.

CITB funding

On the same day as the employer call, FIS announced it was one of 11 organisations selected under CITB's Specialist Upskilling Fund to improve access to specialist training in fit-out, drylining and plastering, according to the trade body.

Under the CITB-funded project, FIS said it would offer employers one-to-one sessions with its skills team to identify workforce skills gaps.

The first of the three employer visit weeks at Build East starts on 9 November.