BCIA Apprenticeship Programme driving BEMS sector development

With the Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) building energy management systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship programme now in its third year, there is no better time to reflect and acknowledge the importance of giving young engineers the opportunity to develop professionally and further the skills they need to ensure the success of the sector.

This is especially imperative given the current skills shortage the sector, and the built environment as a whole, is facing. Not to mention the increased demand for smarter buildings and energy efficient systems and technologies.

The BEMS Controls Engineer apprenticeship programme is the only focused apprenticeship available to the sector. Offering a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training, the programme covers all aspects of the BEMS sector.

It also includes an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is carried out by an independent body. This incorporates a mixture of written and practical tests to examine whether the apprentice has developed – and is able to competently apply - the necessary expertise, knowledge, and skills outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

In the three years since its inception, the apprenticeship programme has seen unprecedented demand with more than 250 apprentices now enrolled on the learning programme and preferred delivery partner Group Horizon achieving an impressive retention rate of 91.1%, illustrating an encouraging future for the building automation industry.

While the BEMS Controls Engineer apprenticeship has been an incredible success, the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards place employers at the heart of development. Standards are therefore comprehensively reviewed, in partnership with employers and Skills England (previously IfATE) to ensure the standards continue to meet the needs of industry and that apprentices are provided with the skills, knowledge and approach that the industry demands, particularly in such a technologically-advanced sector, where the skills and knowledge needed evolve.  

Involving various stages, including consultation with the BEMS Trailblazer Employer Group, evaluation of the standard, and recommendations for revisions or adjustments, the reviews are conducted to assess the effectiveness and relevance of the apprenticeship standards and End Point Assessment.  

Andrew Knibbs, Trainee Controls Engineer at PA Collacott & Co, was the first learner to pass the End Point Assessment and successfully complete the BEMS Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship programme. While expressing his delight at completing the EPA, Andrew also took the time to acknowledge the guidance and support he’d received. He said: “I’m thrilled to have completed and passed the End Point Assessment and become a fully qualified BEMS Controls Engineer. It’s even more of an honour to know I’m the first to have finished the apprenticeship programme.

“The support and assistance I received through the programme was outstanding and the experience of the trainers made such a difference. Programmes such as this one are absolutely vital and will help so many of the young talented professionals coming into the sector to develop and really secure the future of this fascinating and rewarding industry.”

Stacey Lucas, President of the BCIA, highlighted the importance of apprenticeship programmes. She said: “It’s amazing to think that the BEMS Control Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship programme has been running for three years already. It’s been incredibly successful with more demand than ever anticipated when it was being created. Although it is early days with the first few dozen apprentices going through End Point Assessment, results are extremely positive and reflect the hard work and dedication each individual learner has given to obtaining their apprenticeship. It is also testament to the expertise, support and passion of the trainers in helping to give apprentices the highest possible quality learning programme.

“With sustainability and energy efficiency so important in the built environment, apprenticeship schemes such as this one are absolutely vital. The BCIA takes great pride in the furthering of professional development and will continue to do everything it can to ensure the best possible future for the BEMS sector through programmes such as this one.”