BIFIS announces innovative schools engagement programme

Following the publication of its manifesto in spring 2026, and in co-ordination with the Government’s announcement this week regarding the re-introduction of vocational learning into schools, the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has announced the launch of its Schools Engagement Programme, a 6-year initiative with a pilot beginning in the southeast of England in September 2026. BIFIS will deliver the pilot programme in partnership with Greater Essex Careers Hub, creating the blueprint for the initiative to be rolled out nationally as part of the organisation's Vision 2030.

Designed to build awareness of the fitted interiors industry from middle childhood, the programme will work with hundreds of Year 6 students during the 2026/27 academic year and follow the students' journey through secondary education to Year 11.

Over the 6-year course of the programme, students will be introduced to the breadth of opportunities available across the sector, including roles in manufacturing, logistics, sales, design and installation. Through immersive activities, industry insight and sustained engagement, BIFIS aims to help young people better understand the sector, the skills it requires and the career pathways available.

Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the Fitted Interiors Sector School’s Engagement Programme and to be working in partnership with Greater Essex Careers Hub on a project with genuine long-term potential. 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.

“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.”