The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has launched a new six-year Schools Engagement Programme aimed at introducing young people to careers across the fitted interiors sector.
The initiative follows the publication of BIFIS’ manifesto earlier this year and comes after the government’s announcement this week on the reintroduction of vocational learning into schools.
A pilot programme will begin in the south east of England in September 2026, delivered in partnership with Greater Essex Careers Hub, before being used as the blueprint for a national rollout as part of BIFIS’ Vision 2030 strategy.
The programme will initially work with hundreds of Year 6 pupils during the 2026/27 academic year and follow their progress through to Year 11.
Over the six-year period, students will be introduced to career opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, sales, design and installation through a series of industry activities and engagement.
BIFIS said the programme is intended to raise awareness of careers in the fitted interiors industry before students make key education and career decisions, while helping to build a future pipeline of talent for the sector.
BIFIS chief executive Damian Walters said: “If we are serious about building the future workforce our sector needs, we must start much earlier in the journey by helping young people understand the opportunities available to them.
“This programme gives us the chance to generate interest in our industry at a formative stage, nurture that interest over time and, ultimately, inspire more young people to see fitted interiors as a credible and rewarding career choice.”
Walters also said he had written to the Prime Minister following the government’s announcement on vocational education, highlighting what he believes are two further challenges that need to be addressed.
He said: “Following the announcement from the government on Monday, there are two areas that need to be addressed, and I have written to the Prime Minister today to set out these challenges.
“Firstly, the vocational programme must start in primary school and must also include educating parents on the benefits of vocational careers. Without a shift in parents’ expectations for their children’s careers, we will not change those pre-conceived ideas that vocational careers are only suitable for those who fail in academia.
“Secondly, we must better support, financially and otherwise, those future SME employers to meaningfully take on young people. Unless small employers are incentivised to take on an education leaver or apprentice, the education system runs the risk of creating the workforce but not creating the opportunities in the form of jobs. That would be a travesty and one that we must do everything in our power to avoid.”
As part of the programme, BIFIS said it will work with industry partners to provide activities including work experience, site visits, talks and employer engagement throughout pupils’ secondary education.
Walters added: “This is an exciting opportunity for industry to proactively tap into a new generation of talent and my plea to industry is to please get involved.
“We are looking for project partners to support the initiative, from sponsors to financially support the work, through to businesses that deliver work experience, guided tours of their operation and get involved in talks.”