First learner completes BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship programme
Group Horizon is celebrating a significant milestone as the national training provider’s first BEMS Controls Engineer Apprentice has now passed his end point assessment (EPA) and successfully completed the Level 4 Apprenticeship programme.
End point assessments are carried out by an independent body and, through a mix of practical and written tests, examine whether the apprentice has developed the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
As the first of many newly qualified BEMS Controls Engineers, Andrew Knibbs of P A Collacott & Co has demonstrated the drive, determination and aptitude for learning required to succeed in the building controls industry. With more than 40 learners set to complete the programme and pass through their end point assessment before the end of the year, the building controls sector is set to receive an influx of qualified BEMS Controls Engineers at a time when the industry needs it the most.
Developed in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship has now attracted over 250 learners from more than 100 different employers. The popularity of the apprenticeship coupled with an impressive and unmatched retention rate of over 90% (as recognised by IFATE) has demonstrated the industry’s appetite for this robust learning pathway which allows apprentices to combine practical hands-on work with classroom-based learning.
Peter Behan, Director of Group Horizon, commented: “Huge congratulations to Andrew for being our first apprentice to complete the programme and qualify as a BEMS Controls Engineer. It’s been quite the journey from initial course development through to our first end point assessment and it’s incredibly rewarding to see all of that hard work beginning to pay off as we look to equip the industry with the skills needed to develop and future-proof the buildings of tomorrow.”
Jen Vickers, Vice-President of the BCIA, added: “Congratulations to Andrew – the first qualified BEMS Controls Engineer to complete the Level 4 Apprenticeship. This is a significant achievement not only for Andrew but for Group Horizon, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the apprenticeship is fit for purpose and achievable. Credit must also go to Andrew’s employer who will have provided the support network for him to succeed and to the BCIA which as an association will also now benefit from the hard work that was put into developing this pathway and addressing the skills gap.”