The development of the Fitted Interiors (FI) Competence Framework aims to establish a structured, standardised approach for assessing and ensuring the competencies of installers working in the Fitted Interiors sector. The framework serves to address the growing demand for high-quality and safe installations, promoting the development of skilled professionals who meet industry standards.  

The framework outlines key competencies required for Fitted Interiors, including installation, health and safety, training and qualification landscape and any re-validation requirements. It is designed to guide training programs, qualifications, employers, workers, regulatory bodies across the industry. This competency model is intended to reduce risks, improve building performance, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.  

Key components of the framework include:  

  • Routes to Competence: Identification of the recognised routes to achieving competence.  

  • Competency Levels: Clear definitions of the Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviours required for each function and role within he Fitted Interiors sector  

  • Technical Skills: A comprehensive understanding of materials, techniques, and equipment used within Fitted Interiors.  

  • Health and Safety: Emphasis on safety standards to minimise accidents and ensure safe working environments.  

  • Sustainability and Efficiency: Incorporating best practices for energy efficiency, sustainability, and the long-term performance of fitted interior installations.  

The framework is intended for use by industry professionals, training providers, and regulatory bodies to create a consistent and accountable approach to competency in fitted interior installations. By ensuring that installers meet the framework’s requirements, the industry can improve the quality of fitted interior projects and support regulatory compliance. 

Within the development of this project, we have identified that this sector is made up of three specific groups, kitchen installers, bathroom installers and bedroom installers and their relevant specialist trades. Throughout the project we refer to these pathways in specific detail, looking at where the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours may be the same and where they may differ. Of which is part of the wider objective to make sure that the training available is not too generalised.

The current training and qualification landscape available for Fitted Interiors is a Level 2 NVQ in Fitted Interiors offered by ProQual, NOCN and GQA and a Level 2 Apprenticeship as a Fitted Furniture Installer through Skills England. There is a wide variety of manufacturer training and sector specific training that allows delegates to work on their skills within their chosen path of the industry.

Development Process

To develop the framework CITB has worked in partnership with the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS). We have created a national working group with representation from across the country and across a variety of specialisms within the sector. Together we have held monthly meetings to review and discuss the current landscape of skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB) of level 2 delegates in the industry and where we can update these to fall in line with the current needs and demands within the sector.

The group quickly identified that they believed the current training and qualification landscape was too generalised and they would like to develop the framework to include three separate pathways, bathroom installer, kitchen installer and bedroom installer. Once split we reviewed the current elements of the SKEB and ensured that each pathway had the occupational specific points pulled across. This was followed by an exercise to identify any gaps and where further skills and knowledge may be required. As well as the specific skills and knowledge for each pathway, the group have identified a set of core competencies that can be used and transferred across all three pathways, should someone wish to be trained in more than one pathway.

Both the current NOS and the Apprenticeship standards served as a foundational reference for the competence statements the group have created, with additional Behaviour criteria incorporated to enhance the framework’s scope and meet the current industry needs. The group are currently in the process of reviewing the experience section of the SKEB as they would like to ensure that the criteria we create is fully representative and the measures identified are accessible, as this will affect such a large proportion of the workforce.

Outcomes and Findings

The working group extensively discussed several key issues:

  • Clear Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) criteria showing the three new separate pathways of

    • Kitchen Installer

    • Bathroom Installer

    • Bedroom Installer

  • A route to competence for each pathway at each level of experience

  • Ensuring that each pathway is specific to the sector and no longer generalised

  • The working group have also identified additional content to include Experience and Behaviour requirements. When adapted either individually or through an organisation, these will promote a culture of self-development, responsibility and reinforce positive values

  • Gaps within core competencies and trade specific that need to be addressed

To address the key issues, the following developments are proposed:

  • Review and update the National Occupational Standard (NOS) and subsequently the Recommended Qualification Structure (RQS) to show the changes we have implemented through our development

  • Development of a Scottish SVQ and a Modern Scottish Apprenticeship