Skills News

CITB has confirmed a series of changes to its grants and funding offer, taking effect from 8 January 2026, following today’s meeting. In short, growing demand for training funding without an increase in Levy rates means CITB is reshaping its support to focus more directly on addressing the industry skills gap. What’s changing from 8 […]

We’re excited to share more about the NAS & IOC Members’ Day, taking place on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at Carpenters’ Hall, London. This year’s theme, The Future, looks at the skills, innovations, and opportunities shaping shopfitting, carpentry, and joinery. And with the event already filling fast, now is the perfect time to secure your

CITB has confirmed that funding for all Training Groups will end on 31 March 2026, marking a significant shift in how levy funds are reinvested across the construction sector. The decision was shared with all Training Groups at a briefing this morning. According to CITB, demand on levy funds has risen by 36%, while levy

The National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) are continuing to work together to strengthen the Shopfitting and Commercial Signage Installer pathway – and we want your input. This new provisional SICCS card is just the first step toward a clearer, more structured route for professionals in our sector.

New SICCS Card Launch: Shopfitting Commercial Signage Installer – Provisional  We’re pleased to announce the launch of the new SICCS Commercial Signage Installer – Provisional card, developed in partnership between the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA).  This new digital-only card is designed to help operatives working in

Building Confidence, Connection and Craft: Why mentoring matters more than ever This National Mentoring Day, the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) and National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) are celebrating the craft within the craft, the passing on of skill, care and pride from one generation to the next: mentoring. It all started with IOC’s Mentoring Champions

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,

Control over apprenticeships policy will move from the Department for Education (DfE) to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), following the government reshuffle last week. The change was confirmed by the new skills minister, Jacqui Smith, during an interview at the EuroSkills competition in Denmark. This shift means that responsibility for apprenticeship policy, the

With multiple high level changes taking place, you do not have to navigate them alone. Amanda Scott NAS/IOC UK Skills Led reports on the latest change — the new 8 Month Foundation Apprenticeship. Love it or loath it, it’s here, and with it comes a whole new range of criteria, eligibility, and funding changes for