Spec Finish

FIS Announcement www.thefis.org 29 Michelle Armstrong appointed as Head of Membership at FIS The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michelle Armstrong as Head of Membership. The role has been newly created in support of the company’s growth strategy, achieved by the development of a programme of member engagement and recruitment activities. Michelle has over two decades of experience in the construction industry, having worked for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) since 2000. She is a skilled and practised company development advisor, making her a clear choice to fulfil the new position of Head of Membership. In her new role, Michelle will continue to develop the company’s growth strategy by developing and leading a programme of member engagement and recruitment activities. She has most recently worked as an Area Delivery Manager for CITB, ensuring she brings a wealth of organisational experience to the new role in addition to her recruitment background. Michelle’s extensive career in construction has given her great insight into the sector, allowing her to understand how the industry operates and the obstacles faced by members. This understanding will be fundamental to her new role, as she will help to overcome these systemic challenges. The role will see Michelle at the forefront of ensuring that FIS is a dynamic and growing membership community, alert and responsive to the challenges members face and delivering effective and practical support. Working with the FIS Community in this new role, Michelle will lead the company’s efforts to strengthen relationships with members through improved account management and formulating an effective regional strategy, ensuring member retention remains exceptional and FIS continues to attract new members and grow. Michelle commented: “After 21 years working for CITB and navigating the challenges of the construction industry, I am delighted to be joining FIS. I look forward to working with colleagues in continuing to provide a first-class service to our members, as well as extending our influence to new members.” Commenting on the new appointment, FIS CEO Iain Mcllwee said: “We are excited to have Michelle join the team, she brings a wealth of experience in developing and managing relationships. FIS is a membership body and a voice for the sector - to be effective we need to engage with our members, listen and ensure that they are accessing all we have to offer and matching our resources to meeting their challenges head-on. The organisation has been steadily growing and it is the right time that we bring someone in to help us to better structure and manage relationships, to support ongoing growth built on a foundation of active engagement, open communication and dynamic support.“ For further information or for any questions please contact the FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077 Michelle Armstrong, Head of Membership at FIS Building the future at Encon & Nevill Long Earlier this year, Encon & Nevill Long welcomed four new apprentices to its Fareham branch. Three apprentices – Dan Thompson, Josh Street, and James Osborne – joined the ‘Warehouse to Wheels’ programme, which focuses on training and upskilling Warehouse Operatives to fully licensed HGV Drivers. Rebecca Afonso embarked on the Sales Office Apprenticeship. Both apprenticeship programmes offer widespread learning and experience and a platform for ongoing training and career development. Each apprentice gains practical skills and insights into all aspects of the role, as well as a detailed understanding of the business. As an Employer of Choice, Encon provides development opportunities to new and existing employees through apprenticeships and dedicated training programmes, encouraging long-term careers within the organisation. Encon is committed to providing more apprenticeships as part of our strong focus on training and development and building a future proofed workforce. www.encon.co.uk Providing valuable work experience to Level Two Technical Plastering students FIS member Roseville Contracts has provided valuable work experience to Level Two Technical Plastering students from Dudley College. Students have immersed themselves in the workplace and were able to take part in practical, hands-on activities. Not only have they been learning about the importance of safe working practices, they’ve also been able to develop their skills to industry standards. Mark Kelsey, Managing Director of Roseville Contracts said: “I believe in helping young people wanting to enter the industry and give them the opportunity to further develop their skills in the plastering and drylining trades. The team at Roseville Contracts is pleased to have been involved in the drylining and plastering course at the CAT Centre, and to be part of the students learning experience. We will continue to offer our continuous support and build on our good relationship with the plastering department.” Harry Westwood, Level Two Technical Plastering Student, said: “I would like to thank Roseville Contracts Ltd, and my tutor Craig, for giving me the opportunity to work for three weeks. From the minute I was picked up by the plasterers, I was encouraged to use the skills I had learned in my course, try different plastering techniques and develop new ones. It has given me the confidence to know I can work as part of a team and have chosen a career I am going to enjoy. I understand now what employers are looking for and the importance of timekeeping, positive attitude, and working hard in college.” If you’d like to find out more about courses at the CAT Centre, please visit dudleycol.ac.uk/Courses/Full-Time Encon & Nevill Long’s apprentices (L-R) Josh Street – HGV Apprentice, Rebecca Afonso – Sales Office Apprentice, Dan Thompson and James Osborne – HGV Apprentice