As the government moves forward with its most significant overhaul of apprenticeship standards in years, we are delighted to confirm that James Filus, Director of the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), has been appointed to the newly formed Construction Assessment Reform Taskforce.
This appointment ensures that the voice of the shopfitting, joinery, and carpentry sectors will be heard directly at the highest level of decision-making.
Skills England has recently published the first group of 93 apprenticeship standards to be revised under a new assessment framework. This is the first wave of a much larger initiative, which aims to reform the full suite of approximately 700 apprenticeship standards across England throughout 2026.
Following the announcement, there was immediate concern from the wider industry – championed by the Construction Coalition – that a “one size fits all” approach to assessment reform could damage the quality of training in the built environment.
Acknowledging these unique challenges, Skills England has agreed to pause immediate implementation for our sector and instead work with a dedicated expert group: the Construction Assessment Reform Taskforce.
The Taskforce, which held its inaugural meeting in December 2025 and meets again next week, has a clear mandate to address sector-specific concerns before any new standards are finalized.
James Filus’s invitation to join this select group is a significant win for our members. It means that as the government refines its ambitions for the future of training, James will be there to ensure those ambitions are matched with the practical realities of the wood occupations.
Next Steps
With the Taskforce due to meet again next week, we will be providing periodic updates to all NAS and IOC members as this critical work progresses.
