New Apprenticeship Standards Approved

The standards for two new Facilities Management Apprenticeships developed by employers in collaboration with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and other key stakeholders have been approved by the Minister of State for Skills.

The FM Manager (Level 4) and Senior/Head of FM Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeships will be available to FM professionals looking to take the next step in their careers later this year, once the assessment plans for each have also been approved by the Government.

The new Apprenticeships are part of a series that have been created by a Trailblazer group of employers and higher education institutes in conjunction with BIFM following a 2013 government review to give employers a greater say in the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of their workforce.

In February, an FM Supervisor (Level 3) Apprenticeship standard and assessment plan was approved for delivery, while an expression of interest has been made to develop a Facilities Services Operative (Level 2) Apprenticeship.

BIFM acting chief executive Linda Hausmanis said: “As a professional body committed to excellence in facilities management, we are passionate about supporting the professional development of all FM practitioners, helping all those working within our profession to progress, grow and achieve at every stage of their FM career.

“Key to this is ensuring that the Apprenticeships truly reflect the skills, knowledge and competences required by employers of the FM profession, and we are delighted that the Institute’s FM Professional Standards have formed the bedrock of all the new FM Apprenticeships that have either now been approved or are in development.”

Katie Nightingale, early careers manager at Kier Group and chair of the Trailblazer group, said: “Apprenticeships have always been, and will continue to be, a vital entry route for people into our business. With a push from government and employers to improve Apprenticeships and offer even more options, including degree level, we believe the opportunities for individuals to forge a great and sustainable career in facilities management can start with an Apprenticeship.”

Dr Paul Wyton, subject group leader for facilities management at Sheffield Hallam University, one of the higher education institutes and training providers on the Trailblazer group, said: “The approval of the Apprenticeship standards by the Minster of State for Skills is significant in the continued professionalisation and recognition of FM, and its importance to the UK economy.

“The launch of degree Apprenticeships in FM is a great opportunity for further development of the profession, for the first time providing funded routes to completing a degree in FM.”

www.bifm.org.uk