At the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), much of our most important work happens quietly – in meetings, consultations, and working groups that shape the future of our industry. While our members see the visible benefits of representation, guidance, and community, behind the scenes we’re influencing national policy, developing new qualifications, and ensuring that shopfitting, joinery, and interior contracting continue to be recognised as skilled, professional trades.
Our skills team are deeply embedded in national discussions on competence, training, and standards. From updating the National Occupational Standards (NOS) to driving forward the Competence Frameworks required by the Building Safety Act, the NAS is ensuring that our sector is ready for the future, and that our members are leading it.
Here are just a few of the key projects we’re driving right now to support shopfitting, joinery, and interior contracting across the UK:
🔹 Raising Standards:
We’ve completed a 14-month review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Wood Occupations. Covering 12 pathways across shopfitting, joinery, and carpentry – the largest suite of standards in construction – ensuring they remain fit for purpose and aligned with industry expectations.
🔹 Building Competence:
We’re leading the development of new Competence Frameworks for Site Carpentry and Shopfitting. These frameworks will underpin how competence is assessed and maintained under the Building Safety Act.
🔹 Creating New Pathways:
The NAS is developing Routes to Competence (R2C) for emerging trades – including Commercial Signage Installers – and launching a new SICCS card this November to reflect these roles.
🔹 Championing Skills:
We continue to represent the sector at the highest levels – including on CITB (including CITB NI) , CSCS, City & Guilds, CLC, Skills England, regulators, and Timber Construction Europe boards – ensuring our members’ voices shape the future of training, qualifications, and safety standards.
🔹 Driving Change in EDI and Skills:
Through initiatives like In Our Hands and our collaboration with CITB’s Impact Team, we’re working to improve inclusivity, training access, and the next generation’s route into shopfitting and joinery.
All of this forms part of our long-term mission: to promote, support, and develop our industry – from the workshop to the boardroom.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about any of these projects, please contact our Skills Lead, Amanda Scott: amanda.scott@shopfitters.org.
