Open-access content
Monday 11th March 2013
The latest BIFM comment column. Linda Hausmanis discusses the apprenticeship opportunities available in the FM sector.
11 March 2013
The good news is that a framework is in place that will enable employers to embrace and support the talents of the next generation.
For some organisations, this might mean adding FM to an existing apprenticeship structure. Many will currently use such a scheme for mechanical and electrical engineers, catering staff, or customer-service employees.
Those individuals who have demonstrated the much-needed characteristics of a good FM - they too can embark on an apprenticeship programme.
This will take participants from the very basics at Level 2 (level example is equivalent to GCSEs A*-C) right up to Level 5 (level example is equivalent to foundation degree).
It is anticipated that from April 2013, the apprenticeship framework will include qualifications at Level 6 (Degree) and Level 7 (Masters). So what a wonderful future our young FMs can look forward to: a comprehensive programme in which they will gain the knowledge and develop the skills and competencies to become tomorrow's FM leaders.
Last October, at an event to promote the development of the Higher-Level Apprenticeships in Facilities Management (Levels 4 and 5), Gareth Tancred, the institute's chief executive, said to the attendees that it was our aim to make FM a career of choice rather than chance - and that is now becoming a reality.
There are many organisations that have made BIFM qualifications their benchmark of excellence, and a necessity in order for employees to progress their career within the company.
It was in 2010 - hard to believe it was only three years ago - that BIFM first launched its six new qualifications. This was the culmination of two years' intensive research and development throughout the industry. Three years on, and the BIFM now awards 19 qualifications in FM - a direct response to the growing demand from the industry to have progressive professional development pathways in place for individuals.
Our offering starts with the new recruits (Level 2) right up to strategic heads of facilities (Level 7). The latter provides a pathway to two Masters programmes: the Masters in Applied Facilities Management, delivered and awarded by Liverpool John Moores University and the MBA in facilities management delivered and awarded by Sheffield Hallam University.
BIFM is working on the development of a youth programme that will not only provide them with access to training and qualifications, but also a toolkit that will support and nurture them as they grow in their knowledge, skills and competence in the early stages of their career in FM.
We are currently in negotiations to pilot delivery of the Level 2 knowledge qualification in Facilities Services in certain visionary academies that offer vocational opportunities alongside academic opportunities for students. So watch this space for more information on the youth programme.
The aim of this youth programme is to assist employers with their succession-planning especially when having to consider the demographic time-bomb, widely reported as being a potential threat to the future of FM.
For more information, visit www.bifm.org.uk/qualifications
Now is a great time for a young person to contemplate a career in facilities management.
The good news is that a framework is in place that will enable employers to embrace and support the talents of the next generation.
For some organisations, this might mean adding FM to an existing apprenticeship structure. Many will currently use such a scheme for mechanical and electrical engineers, catering staff, or customer-service employees.
Those individuals who have demonstrated the much-needed characteristics of a good FM - they too can embark on an apprenticeship programme.
This will take participants from the very basics at Level 2 (level example is equivalent to GCSEs A*-C) right up to Level 5 (level example is equivalent to foundation degree).
It is anticipated that from April 2013, the apprenticeship framework will include qualifications at Level 6 (Degree) and Level 7 (Masters). So what a wonderful future our young FMs can look forward to: a comprehensive programme in which they will gain the knowledge and develop the skills and competencies to become tomorrow's FM leaders.
Last October, at an event to promote the development of the Higher-Level Apprenticeships in Facilities Management (Levels 4 and 5), Gareth Tancred, the institute's chief executive, said to the attendees that it was our aim to make FM a career of choice rather than chance - and that is now becoming a reality.
There are many organisations that have made BIFM qualifications their benchmark of excellence, and a necessity in order for employees to progress their career within the company.
It was in 2010 - hard to believe it was only three years ago - that BIFM first launched its six new qualifications. This was the culmination of two years' intensive research and development throughout the industry. Three years on, and the BIFM now awards 19 qualifications in FM - a direct response to the growing demand from the industry to have progressive professional development pathways in place for individuals.
Our offering starts with the new recruits (Level 2) right up to strategic heads of facilities (Level 7). The latter provides a pathway to two Masters programmes: the Masters in Applied Facilities Management, delivered and awarded by Liverpool John Moores University and the MBA in facilities management delivered and awarded by Sheffield Hallam University.
BIFM is working on the development of a youth programme that will not only provide them with access to training and qualifications, but also a toolkit that will support and nurture them as they grow in their knowledge, skills and competence in the early stages of their career in FM.
We are currently in negotiations to pilot delivery of the Level 2 knowledge qualification in Facilities Services in certain visionary academies that offer vocational opportunities alongside academic opportunities for students. So watch this space for more information on the youth programme.
The aim of this youth programme is to assist employers with their succession-planning especially when having to consider the demographic time-bomb, widely reported as being a potential threat to the future of FM.
For more information, visit www.bifm.org.uk/qualifications