Skills News

Changes to CITB Funding Support for Training

We want to update you on some important developments from CITB that will affect how employers access funding for training. These changes are designed to streamline processes and strengthen support for levy-registered employers, with the ultimate aim of helping address the industry’s ongoing skills challenge. What’s changing and why CITB is simplifying its approach to […]

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Qualifications Scotland to Replace SQA – What NAS Members in Scotland Need to Know

As part of a major reform of the Scottish education system, the Education (Scotland) Bill, published on 5 June 2024, sets out plans to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new body: Qualifications Scotland. Expected to be operational by Autumn 2025, Qualifications Scotland will take on all current responsibilities of the SQA. This

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Have Your Say on CITB’s Trade Supervisor Framework

CITB has released a draft Competence Framework for Trade Supervisors as part of its 2025 review – and they want your input. The framework sets out the skills, knowledge, behaviours, and experiences expected of supervisors across the industry. 🗓️ Consultation closes 29 July 2025 Why This Matters for Shopfitters As the voice of the shopfitting

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Latest Revision of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship – Carpentry and Joinery

While mostly relevant to members of our partner organisation, the Institute of Carpenters, we decided to share the article here for interested NAS members. A Trailblazer Apprenticeship is an employer-led apprenticeship model in England that focuses on industry-defined standards and end-point assessments. Trailblazer apprenticeships are developed by groups of employers, known as “Trailblazer groups,” who

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CITB’s 2025–2029 Construction Outlook: Urgent Need for Skilled Trades and Workforce Investment

On the 19th of June 2025, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) released their ‘Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–2029′, outlining both significant opportunities and pressing challenges for the UK construction sector – including the shopfitting industry. With output reaching £215.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at an average of 2.1% annually over the next

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Progress Update on NOS for Wood Occupations Review

National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Wood Occupations Review Update from Amanda Scott, Chair of NOS Wood Occupations Review Body, and National Working Group. It has been a privilege to lead the alignment of the NAS and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) across all timber trades, through a constructive collaboration focused on updating and standardising wood

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Choosing the Right Qualification: Diploma vs. S/NVQ

Understanding the Difference Between a Diploma and an S/NVQ When investing thousands of pounds in a qualification for a new entrant into our sector, it’s crucial to understand the difference between two commonly discussed options: occupation-related non-competence qualifications and occupational competence qualifications. In this latest Skills Update, your NAS Skills Lead Amanda Scott explains the

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The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Has Closed

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is no more, following its closure on 1st June 2025 and transition to Skills England. Skills England’s mission is to build our nation’s skills, enabling growth and opportunity. Helping businesses to boost their workforce and get more people into skilled jobs faster, enabling prosperity. Working across government,

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