Industry-crucial apprenticeship scheme sees Group Horizon scoop major award
Having helped to fill the building energy management systems (BEMS) sector’s skills gap with nearly 250 apprentices, Group Horizon’s apprenticeship scheme saw it deservingly win this year’s Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) Contribution to Training award.
While the category featured a myriad of superb entries, Group Horizon’s BEMS controls engineer apprenticeship scheme particularly stood out, with an impressive learner retention rate of 91.1% and the number of cohorts substantially exceeding their expectations.
With the award acknowledging the individual, company, or organisation that has contributed to training on the installation, design and/or use of building controls and BEMS, including training for controls professionals, clients, end-users or apprentices, Group Horizon was a thoroughly deserving winner at this year’s prestigious awards ceremony, held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 1st May.
The entry
The primary objective of the apprenticeship programme was to encourage more young talent into the BEMS industry in a bid to counter the ongoing skills shortage being seen across the sector and the rest of the built environment.
Group Horizon’s apprenticeship scheme was introduced following an employer survey that was launched and undertaken to ascertain demand and understand industry needs. The entire curriculum was developed by technical experts and includes end-of-module exams to identify apprentices’ understanding. Furthermore, each course has undergone independent review by groups with the necessary technical expertise to ensure relevance and quality.
Delivered on the apprentice company’s site or via classroom and online learning sessions, Group Horizon’s BEMS controls engineer apprenticeship scheme encompasses all aspects of the industry.
Empowering participants to achieve their professional goals while consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of their employers, the apprenticeship programme has seen a total of 16 cohorts, with an average of 15-20 learners per cohort, commence training.
The course, developed by businesses for businesses, enables participants to develop desirable and industry-relevant skills that are valued by employers UK-wide. Quite often, these skills and qualifications are transferrable, allowing for smoother career progression.
Training and apprenticeship programmes like this one are becoming increasingly vital in attracting young talent into the sector, with the industry currently facing a significant skills shortage. Zach Stanley, an apprentice at Kendra Energy Solutions, is a perfect example of a talented young person that has been encouraged to start a career in the fascinating BEMS sector by beginning an apprenticeship.
He said: “I was very attracted to this industry because it allowed me the freedom and the ability to learn in a way I never had before. The hours of learning are in my hands and I can control it. I am able to attend site with another engineer each day and learn a different skill or different part of the system. It is amazing that I am able to have a job and learn at the same time.”
Why it won
The apprenticeship programme has been recognised by iFATE as one of the top-performing schemes of its kind, with a learner retention rate of 91.1%.
It was initially launched with the expectation of enrolling two cohorts of 20 learners within the first 12 months. However, by the end of the first year, seven cohorts had begun training – highlighting its incredible popularity across the industry.
This year has seen similar impressive numbers, with 41 learners having completed their programmes in the first half of the 2024/25 academic year and approximately 70 enrolling by the end of the second half.
Feedback from cohorts has been incredibly positive, reflected by the 91.1% learner retention rate. Group Horizon will continue to collect comments and suggestions to aid the review of delivery methods and locations and ensure equal engagement. The continued effectiveness of remote live lectures will also be assessed to enable these to be enhanced or amended if and when required.
Jake Jarram, an apprentice with Building Control Specialists (BCS), revealed his delight at how organised and informative the apprenticeship modules are. He said: “I have been very impressed with how well-structured the modules are in the course I am completing. The lecturer is very experienced and skilled in the industry, showing a very positive outlook on HVAC and is very keen to pass on their knowledge.
“When working day-to-day for BCS, I have developed a great variety of skills which are invaluable to someone of my age. I am looking forward to my future in the building controls industry.”
With the industry in need of a larger influx of talented young professionals, having this steady pipeline of fully qualified BEMS controls engineers will be absolutely crucial.