National Apprenticeship Week runs from 3rd to 7th March, and while there's much to praise now that a full apprenticeship structure is in place across the profession, the people who can really explain the virtues of apprenticeships are former apprentices themselves.
3 March 2014
Apprentices who have since gone on to succeed in their chosen career are usually the best placed to articulate the value of the apprenticeship path, whatever the industry.
In facilities management, with its many routes into the profession, the experience of those who have since gone on to assume senior positions is even more valuable.
Today, those completely new to the FM industry can choose to start with an apprenticeship at level 2 and progress to a foundation degree, while learners with some previous FM experience looking to progress into senior management could choose the apprenticeship route that combines the BIFM qualifications at levels 4 and 5. But this is a relatively new route into FM-related apprenticeships.
Here, we speak to six senior facilities managers about their experiences.
Name: Andrew Redmond
Job title: Director of Facilities, Academies Enterprise Trust
1. How did you become an apprentice?
My father insisted that I "train" when I left school. I applied for and was offered an apprenticeship with a London-based mechanical engineering company. It was an old-fashioned indentured apprenticeship overseen by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). I remember my father having to agree, on oath, to house and shod me for the duration of the apprenticeship, which was from age 16 to 21. I attended Tottenham College of Technology on block release, where I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an apprentice. It's held me in good stead for the rest of my career..
2. What was your experience as an apprentice like?
I had a great experience. It's an excellent way of getting young people into an industry. My employer had the confidence to allow me take on responsibility at a young age; it was seen as part of the training and I never said no. I learnt a massive amount from the people I worked with and enjoyed the challenges they set. This style of learning really suited me, and still does.
3. Looking back, what advantages do you think starting as an apprentice gave you?
A chance to learn everything about the area I worked in. I was given a very broad education that included how to run jobs and manage people. The apprenticeship was very structured, I knew the skills I would gain on the way and the qualifications what I would end up. My apprenticeship gave me a great understanding of buildings and set me on a career path that I am still enjoying today.
4. Do you think apprentices starting today will benefit from the same circumstances?
Without a doubt. I would recommend that young people train as much as possible, keep pushing the levels of training until you are confident and comfortable with your skills and knowledge. Once your apprenticeship is finished, find a new course to undertake, one that will challenge you and enhance the skills you have learnt.
5. What kind of people would benefit from an apprenticeship in FM?
I would recommend apprenticeships to all young people. It can be a great way of learning on the job, you have the ability to change direction and focus on areas that you enjoy. For those young people who do not want to go to university or for those who are looking to go straight in to work, apprenticeships suit all.
Name: Tom Anning
Job title: Operations Director M&E Interserve FM
1. How did you become an apprentice?
I was doing A-Levels (media studies, psychology and drama) but not really enjoying it, as I couldn't see where it was going to take me and I wasn't really enjoying the academic side of it. I saw an advert for an electrical apprenticeship and thought 'that sounds interesting'. I phoned the company, went to see them for a discussion about it and they invited me to start with them the next week. The rest is history!
2. What was your experience?
It was really good. I got a lot of experience in various different industries from domestic installs to industrial settings not only in electrical installations but also plumbing, A/C and even general building. I was lucky to have really good mentors over me who took a lot of time pointing me in the right direction and making sure I was completing my college work. It was an also a really good feeling to be making a difference and earning some money while I was learning. Even though it wasn't very much it was more than all of my friends who were still at college.
3. What advantages has it given you?
On-the-job practical experience as well as lots of life skills and experience getting on with people in a work environment. Being able to understand how engineering works has helped me massively as a manager and director as I can relate to how things actually work in the real world. By the time my friends left university I already had nearly five years of work experience on my friends. Plus, you get qualified and don't pick up any debt on the way and the qualifications can be used to gain further higher level qualifications later on.
4. Will today's apprentices benefit from the same circumstances?
Yes, even more so than when I did mine. Going to university is getting even more expensive and as the job market has become more competitive having on the job experience and being technically qualified will give you an advantage.
5. Who would benefit from an FM apprenticeship?
Anyone. If you like being more hands-on and even if you are unsure what you want to do as a career. It is definitely the best decision I ever made. And I was completely unsure what I wanted to do when I left school.
Name: Pete Mosley
Job title: Managing Director, Mitie Technical Facilities Management
1. How did you become an apprentice?
Growing up, I was given an early insight into the trades. I had two uncles in the heating and ventilation business and my brother was a pipefitter. At the age of 16 I applied to the company my brother and uncle worked at, and got my first job as a pipefitter. My son has just been through an air conditioning apprenticeship, so it runs in the family.
2. What was your experience?
My experience as an apprentice was very positive. I worked with some great engineers who were brilliant mentors for me. They took the trouble to train me and guide me through various aspects of the role; something I will always be grateful for. It gave me a broad understanding of all aspects of the business, and was an incredibly enjoyable experience.
3. What advantages has it given you?
Starting out as an apprentice has given me an understanding of what happens on the ground, and the challenges Mitie's people deal with on a daily basis. It helps me to ensure that they are provided with the right training and tools to excel at what they do. When I talk to current apprentices about my experiences I think it's quite an eye-opener for them, because they can see that with hard work there's no limit to how far you can progress.
4. Will today's apprentices benefit from the same circumstances?
Apprentices today can definitely still benefit from the same circumstances. I actually think apprenticeship opportunities are better now, as they have a more structured experience. At Mitie, we have dedicated apprentice training managers to ensure that our 93 apprentices are on the right path. Not everyone wants to be a manager, but the opportunities are there to progress if they choose to. I recently appointed a new operations director who started his career with us as an apprentice.
5. Who would benefit from an FM apprenticeship?
Anyone who is interested in learning the trades and prepared to get their hands dirty can benefit from an apprenticeship. With the increasing use of technology, good English and maths skills are necessary, as well as the awareness to work safely at all times. But above all, apprentices need to be willing to learn and be passionate about their trades - that's the best guarantee of success.
Name: Alex Akushie
Job title: FM Co-Ordinator, The Wellcome Trust
1. How did you become an apprentice?
After secondary school I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do, so in the process of discovering what path was best suited for me, I started college doing BTEC First Diploma in IT Practitioners (equivalent to 4 A C GCSE's) which I completed in year one. I then went on to a BTEC National Diploma, which is a two-year course. Proceeding with this was never a course I wanted to take, and in turn my heart wasn't in it. This led to me dropping out from college and started working in retail. Moving between bar and catering jobs led me to work at the BBC within an internal catering company. After working a year there I realised I wanted to improve and progress in life, and in order for me to achieve this I needed to find employment that suited my needs. This is when I discovered apprenticeships and what they had to offer. It was the perfect route for me to progress through the career ladder. After two years of countless group and individual interviews, I finally caught my break and found the Wellcome Trust. I was convinced I was in the right place and wanted to progress here. Nothing else mattered, and I even took a significant pay cut just to grab the rare opportunity. It has truly paid off.
2. What was your experience?
I believe I had a bit of an advantage with regards to my experience as an apprentice; I had previously worked for four years before starting this apprenticeship, so I already had the strict work ethic and self-motivation needed in any job role. Also within my team of 10 colleagues, five of them started through an apprenticeship scheme so they were very keen to take me under their wing and mentor me through the apprenticeship.
3. What advantages has it given you?
Being an apprentice gives you a broad knowledge and understanding of practical and theoretical practices. It allows an individual with little or no experience to familiarise themselves with what it feels like to work for at least 30 hours a week and also gives the apprentice an adequate qualification once it's completed. I've currently completed my level 3 apprenticeship but it has been advised by my employer to pursue a level 4 (which my employer has fully funded) as well as sending me on numerous training courses.
4. Will today's apprentices benefit from the same circumstances?
When I started out on my apprenticeship, it wasn't fully supported by local councils or the media and there weren't many options. Today, however, social media, local councils, flyers, billboards, television and even radio stations are all behind apprenticeships and fully supporting them. Apprenticeships can help many young people find a source of employment as well as giving them a vast library to different fields to pursue a qualification.
5. Who would benefit from an FM apprenticeship?
Anybody who has an interest in service delivery. Whether it is catering, security, health and safety, tendering, maintenance, testing or inspection, this would be an ideal apprenticeship. The reason I took up an apprenticeship in FM was mainly due to the fact I didn't like sitting in front of a screen eight hours a day and wasn't keen on just reading books. I was more of a practical learner in the sense of I learn and understand things more effectively and efficiently when putting theory practices into practice and physically taking part. In doing this, I had the determination to excel within FM.
Name: Eamon O'Donnell
Job title: General manager, Interserve Support Services
1. How did you become an apprentice?
On leaving school I embarked on the government Youth Training Scheme (YTS), where I was sponsored by an M&E (mechanical and engineering) contractor. I completed a four-year apprenticeship in plumbing and heating, passing out with City & Guilds accreditation.
2. What was your experience?
As a 16-year-old on a construction site, it was quite daunting at first and I now realise on reflection what a dangerous place construction sites are for young, inexperienced people. Having said that, I had some very good experiences as an apprentice working on some wonderful buildings, such as the House of Lords, Somerset House, House of Commons, Number 1 London, Apsley House and Admiralty Arch. These were amazing buildings with wonderful architecture and steeped in history. I was also lucky enough to see four buildings rise from the ground, as I connected up temporary water mains and was often one of the last off the site when it came to the building hand-over.
3. What advantages has it given you?
It gave me an understanding of aspects such as the mechanics of buildings, their design and the different types of construction. When dealing with engineers and trades staff, I have an understanding of the problems they are presented with on a daily basis and in some instances this can cut through the difficulty when dealing with non-productive staff who are trying to take advantage of senior management. Also, with the introduction of advanced IT systems as part of the PDA (Professional Development Awards) scheme, I was able to work with the software companies to assist in making it easier to use for trade staff - this really developed my skills working with IT systems/data bases. I was then responsible for rolling out this project to over 450 staff working in the London region.
4. Will today's apprentices benefit from the same circumstances?
Absolutely. Unfortunately I don't believe we allocate the correct resources to train these young people. The correct time spent with these individuals watching and supporting their growth and understanding is key. I was lucky enough to work with some wonderful characters, who not only taught me my trade skills, but also helped to develop my life skills. Various things such as never walking down the stairs with your hands in your pocket, always looking at the bigger picture when it comes to setting out what you want to achieve, never walk across a sheet of ply on the floor (there may be a 50ft drop below it) and make sure you warm the pot when making the tea! These are life skills you never forget.
5. Who would benefit from an FM apprenticeship?
Those that really want to be involved, have a want-to-learn attitude and are willing to listen to and take on board advice from experienced staff members working in facilities management. As important are those people that can get up in the morning, be punctual and respond and react to a chain of command, with aspirations to work in the industry.
