FMB members needed to shape Scotland’s carpentry and joinery apprenticeships

This week both the CITB and Scotland’s national skills body: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have called for FMB members’ help. SDS is collaborating with the construction industry to redesign the current Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship. This trade, more than any other, is the home trade of FMB members in Scotland.

This is why your input is critical to ensure the content, relevance, and quality align with the current demands and realities of the workplace. The main work here is being directed by an employer-led Technical Expert Group (TEG), which includes employers, unions, trade federations industry experts and a standard setting body.

What will the new apprenticeship look like?

This apprenticeship has combined the site carpentry and architectural route (bench joinery) into one pathway. More flexibility is intended with optional units to select from, as employers will want to ensure the re-designed apprenticeship is flexible and responsive to business needs. 

Provide your feedback on the proposals

SDS are now seeking views from all employers and wider stakeholders to ensure they have their say and provide feedback on the new apprenticeship. SDS recognise the knowledge and experience of FMB members as local building contractors across Scotland. This is why they have reached out to the FMB for help.

You can provide your feedback here. The survey closes 28 February.

If you would prefer to discuss the proposed changes rather than complete an online survey, two online briefings have been set up. These are on:

• Monday 19 February 16.00 – 17.00
• Monday 26 February 16.00 – 17.00

If you would like to attend one, please register your details with [email protected].

Authors

Gordon Nelson

FMB Scotland Hub Director, Federation of Master Builders

Director, Federation of Master Builders Scotland

Gordon has nearly twenty years’ experience of working in membership organisations in Scotland and joined the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in 2014. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and for Unilever in business development, membership management and business-to-business marketing roles. Amongst his responsibilities in his role as the Director for FMB Scotland are public affairs, media relations, governance and representing member’s interests to Scottish policy makers and stakeholders within the Scottish construction industry. Gordon is the Secretary of the Cross-Party Group on Construction in the Scottish Parliament, and he is a member of the Scottish Building Standards Futures Board. Gordon represents the FMB on Scotland’s Construction Industry Collective Voice: which is comprised of the leading construction trade and professional bodies. In spring 2023 Gordon was appointed as an industry co-chair of the Construction Leaderships Forum’s (CLF) Transformation Board.

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