IOC’s James Filus joins Construction Reform Taskforce

As the government moves forward with its most significant overhaul of apprenticeship standards in years, James Filus, Director of the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) and the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), has been appointed to the newly formed Construction Assessment Reform Taskforce.

This appointment is said to ensure that the voice of the joinery, and carpentry, and shopfitting sectors will be heard directly at the highest level of decision-making.

Skills England has recently published the first group of 93 apprenticeship standards to be revised under a new assessment framework.

This is the first wave of a much larger initiative, which aims to reform the full suite of approximately 700 apprenticeship standards across England throughout 2026.

Following the announcement, there was immediate concern from the wider industry – championed by the Construction Coalition – that a “one size fits all” approach to assessment reform could damage the quality of training in the built environment.

Acknowledging these unique challenges, Skills England has agreed to pause immediate implementation for our sector and instead work with a dedicated expert group: the Construction Assessment Reform Taskforce.

The Taskforce, which held its inaugural meeting in December 2025 and meets again next week, has a clear mandate to address sector-specific concerns before any new standards are finalized.

James Filus’s invitation to join this select group is a significant win for IOC and NAS members. It means that as the government refines its ambitions for the future of training, James will be there to ensure those ambitions are matched with the practical realities of the wood occupations.

Next Steps

With the Taskforce due to meet again next week, the IOC and NAS will be providing periodic updates to all its members as this critical work progresses.

For more information about the IOC, visit: Institute of Carpenters – Serving carpenters and joiners since 1890