Group Horizon is celebrating a major milestone, with its 100th apprentice successfully completing the Level 4 BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship and becoming a fully qualified building energy management systems (BEMS) controls engineer.
Alexandra Horrocks is the 100th apprentice to pass the programme, delivered by national training provider Group Horizon and developed in collaboration with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA).
After completing her apprenticeship, Alexandra, a trainee BMS service engineer at learnd, said: “Passing my end point assessment (EPA) with a distinction was a proud and rewarding moment after four years of hard work and commitment. Learning that I was the 100th apprentice to complete the programme made the achievement even more memorable. The support I've received from my employer, mentors and Group Horizon has helped me develop both professionally and personally, and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead as a qualified BEMS engineer.”
The achievement marks significant progress for an apprenticeship that has attracted more than 480 learners from over 130 employers, helping to develop the next generation of skilled engineers for the building controls and automation sector.
The Level 4 programme combines practical, hands-on experience with structured learning to equip apprentices with the technical knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in the industry. EPAs are carried out by Verge 365 and include practical and written tests to confirm that apprentices meet the required standard.
Graeme Rees, Interim President of the BCIA, added: “Celebrating 100 successful completions is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to what can be accomplished when industry comes together behind a common goal. BCIA and its Trailblazer Employers’ Working Group is proud to have helped develop the apprenticeship from the outset, working alongside valued partners such as Group Horizon to strengthen the skills pipeline for our sector. As demand for talented engineers continues to grow, it’s incredibly encouraging to see more employers choosing this apprenticeship as a proven route to developing the next generation of BEMS professionals.”
Group Horizon Director Peter Behan said: “Reaching 100 successful apprenticeship completions is a fantastic milestone for Group Horizon. It reflects the commitment of our learners, employers and training team, as well as the importance of developing the skilled engineers our industry needs for the future.”