BIFIS backs industry call to halt risky apprenticeship reforms

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has joined leading voices across the UK construction and built environment sectors in supporting a formal appeal to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging the government to reconsider proposed reforms to apprenticeship standards.

In a strongly worded letter signed by a coalition of industry bodies, concerns were raised over Skills England’s plans to reduce the minimum duration of apprenticeships to just eight months and introduce a new end-point assessment model that relies on sampling rather than full demonstration of competence. The reforms also exclude industry input from the development of assessment plans, prompting fears of a disconnect between training and real-world safety standards.

A threat to safety and quality

The letter warns that these changes could undermine workforce competence, compromise building safety, and conflict with the Building Safety Act 2022. It also highlights the risk of apprenticeships losing recognition by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which could destabilise the entire skills validation system.

“Without robust and industry-led training, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past,” said Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer of the British Woodworking Federation, referencing the Grenfell tragedy as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor construction standards.

BIFIS stands in support

Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, expressed full support for the initiative: “At BIFIS, we believe that future infrastructure must be built on a foundation of competence, safety, and collaboration. These reforms, if implemented without industry oversight, could jeopardise the integrity of our workforce and the safety of our communities. We stand firmly with our colleagues in calling for a pause and a meaningful dialogue with government.”

A call for collaboration

The coalition is urging the government to:

• Suspend the proposed reforms.
• Reintroduce industry involvement in assessment development.
• Support the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).
• Reinstate practical assessment tolerances.
• Empower trailblazers to define mandatory training requirements.

BIFIS remains committed to working with government and industry partners to ensure that apprenticeship pathways continue to produce skilled, competent professionals who can meet the UK’s infrastructure and housing goals safely and sustainably.

The full letter can be viewed here.