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Visit Group Horizon at the Smart Buildings Show

Following its launch in 2017, the Smart Buildings Show returns for its fifth successive year and Group Horizon is delighted to be supporting this popular and dynamic show for the very first time following its huge success over recent years.

The Smart Buildings Show is the UK’s leading exhibition and conference dedicated to the smart buildings industry. Enjoy a wide range of CPD-accredited training sessions from some of the top names in the industry and catch up with the latest developments from a wide range of exhibitors.

The two day show will be held on 12-13 October 2022 at ExCeL, London, with this year’s show focusing on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Smart buildings deliver services that make occupants productive at the lowest cost and environmental impact over the building’s lifecycle. Group Horizon provides a number of courses and apprenticeships that offer a gateway into this rapidly expanding and exciting sector.

Building Controls is a fast growing market with numerous opportunities for skilled engineers and Group Horizon’s BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4 addresses an industry wide shortage of BEMS Controls Engineers who will use the skills they learn today to keep the buildings of tomorrow running efficiently.

Group Horizon’s recently launched Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4 is aimed at both new recruits and existing employees, with the overriding aim to educate individuals on how data can be used to answer questions and solve problems. The data analyst will be responsible for working within the data architecture of the company and ensuring that the data is handled in a compliant, safe and appropriately secure manner, understanding and adhering to company data policy and legislation.

Come and visit us on Stand A23 to learn more about the industry focused training courses and apprenticeships available from Group Horizon.

To book your free ticket(s) for the Smart Buildings Show, click here

Alternatively, you can find out more about the Show on its website

The Future is Bright for BEMS

Peter Behan of Group Horizon explains how the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship is contributing to the Net Zero challenge.

With the UK’s commitment to net zero carbon by 2050 target set to remain in place with whomever is the next resident of 10 Downing Street, the role that buildings can play in creating a more environmentally friendly future remains as important as ever. It is pleasing to know however that in recent years various industries have taken it upon themselves to clean up their act, target or no target. With buildings accounting for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, it is a sector that still has plenty to do to reduce its carbon footprint.

Thankfully, we live in an age where we have the technology available to not only install in new buildings, but also to retrofit in older ones to help better manage their energy efficiency. Also, in a time of corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance), an organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability is under the spotlight. ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s behaviour used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments. Environmental criteria consider how a company safeguards the environment, including corporate policies addressing climate change, for example.

Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) play a fundamental role in ensuring that all of a building’s services, including HVAC, lighting and power systems, are integrated to operate in the most effective manner. The challenge for a BEMS Controls Engineer is knowing how to ensure a building achieves the required level of efficiency.

The technical nature of building controls is a highly specialised area and at Group Horizon we are committed to giving the next generation of BEMS Controls Engineers all of the knowledge, confidence and hands-on training they need to secure a rewarding career in one of the most innovative and fast paced sectors in the built environment.

Our team of specialist tutors are ready to pass on their industry experience through our BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship, which offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training covering all aspects of the building controls industry.

This training programme can take up to 36 months to complete and will be delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. The Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) technical course modules BCM00-BCM15 are also included as part of the apprenticeship.

To find out more about the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship click here

Don’t Leave it to Chance

Peter Behan of Group Horizon explains why companies need to make full use of the data they are generating. With endless possibilities to improve business performance, the key to achieving real results is through data analysis.

Every business generates multiple sets of data, both structured and unstructured, which can be utilised to make informed business decisions – but how can organisations be sure that they are maximising results and extracting the information they really need?

Structured data typically takes the form of organised information sets that are straightforward to analyse. The very nature of this information makes it easier to interpret and therefore more popular with businesses; however, the real challenge, and often the real value, lies in the unstructured data thought to account for around 80% of all business data. Working with unstructured data can be confusing and time-consuming, with no predefined model or framework to assist in extracting actionable insights.

This is where the data analyst comes in.

A qualified data analyst has the skills to obtain meaningful conclusions from unstructured data, summarising findings and using visual presentations to tell the whole story in ways that are straightforward to understand. Having a dedicated analyst on board offers a guarantee that all company data is handled in a secure manner and that the processes involved are fully compliant with the relevant legislation.

Using a wide range of analytics tools and applications, the data analyst can play a vital role in deciding how a company acts on certain issues, helping to firm up future plans and guiding the executive team in the right direction. They are often able to offer data comparisons, decipher hidden trends and give the management team advice on changing operating patterns in order to impact the underlying figures in a positive manner.

Data analysis can help organisations gain valuable insight into the hidden information they have at their fingertips, giving them the confidence to draw definitive conclusions on the future direction of the company. Businesses that ignore the wealth of internally held information available to them increase the risk of making judgments based on incomplete data – the data analyst can ensure that decisions based around the future direction of the company aren’t left to chance.

Responding to the increase in demand for data analysis, Group Horizon has launched a new apprenticeship – the Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4. For further information or to register an interest in the course visit: https://grouphorizon.co.uk/portfolio/data-analyst-apprenticeshp/

The Rise of Data Analytics

Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, explains why the analysis of data is becoming increasingly important as a means to reduce costs and identify strategies for energy reduction.

Data is now justifiably recognised as a valuable business asset with the potential to shape commercial decisions and determine how organisations are run. But despite the inherent value contained within, data without insight can be practically useless.

This is why data analytics is becoming increasingly widespread and is no longer the sole preserve of large multinationals with substantial spending power. SMEs now have the cost-effective tools and technologies to dive into their data and use it to solve business problems or develop strategies for reducing costs.

The process behind the analysis itself involves gathering, inspecting, cleansing, transforming and modelling data. Once this procedure has been methodically performed by the data analyst, insights and trends can be identified which allow definitive conclusions to be formed and used to support future decision making. The data analyst is, therefore, a highly valued asset to businesses of all sizes, taking on the responsibility to consistently handle company data in a compliant and appropriately secure manner.

With more and more businesses looking to make sense of their data, the data analyst is becoming increasingly sought after, with organisations searching for individuals with the ability to scrutinise and understand the valuable information, before producing insightful reports and visuals. The qualified data analyst will have the expertise to work with different types of data stemming from a host of different departments – from sales data to logistics and inventory figures.

Responding to the increase in demand for data analytics, Group Horizon has launched a new apprenticeship – the Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4. Through a mix of webinars, digital delivery, face to face and site visits, the new course will educate individuals on how data can be used to answer questions and solve problems.

Reflecting the diverse techniques and approaches used in data analysis, the apprenticeship covers key topics such as data structures, data preparation, datamining, forecasting and modelling, dashboards and infographics, policy and legislation, analysis, reporting and interactivity, and continuing professional development.

For further information or to register an interest in the course visit: https://grouphorizon.co.uk/portfolio/data-analyst-apprenticeshp/

Group Horizon launches new Data Analytics Apprenticeship

National training provider Group Horizon has announced the launch of its latest apprenticeship – the Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4.

Aimed at both new recruits and existing employees, the overriding aim of the new programme is to educate individuals on how data can be used to answer questions and solve problems.

With the first cohort set to begin their apprenticeship in July 2022, the course will offer an expert balance of technical training and on-the-job experience.

Data analysis is defined as the process of requirement-gathering, inspecting, cleansing, transforming and modelling data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making. Data analysis has multiple facets and approaches, encompassing diverse techniques under a variety of names.

The data analyst will be responsible for working within the data architecture of the company and ensuring that the data is handled in a compliant, safe and appropriately secure manner, understanding and adhering to company data policy and legislation.

Taking up to 24 months to complete, this newly introduced apprenticeship will include knowledge and assessment units on the following:

Data structures
Data preparation — extract, transform, load
Datamining, forecasting & modelling
Dashboards and infographics
Policy & legislation including GDPR
Analysis—statistics trends and patterns
Reporting and interactivity
Continuing professional development

Peter Behan, Group Horizon Director, comments: “Data analysis now plays a crucial role in making decisions more evidence-based and helping organisations operate more effectively. This new apprenticeship will give trainees the skills needed to identify trends and develop clear business strategies, meeting the exacting requirements of the employer.”

For further information on the course please visit: https://grouphorizon.co.uk/portfolio/data-analyst-apprenticeshp/

Note to editors

A national training provider, Group Horizon offer a range of specialist training programmes which include Apprenticeships, Functional Skills, Jobseeker Short Courses and Workforce Development Programmes.

Their fully accredited qualifications are delivered by specialist assessors who each bring a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Group Horizon invest heavily in research and curriculum development to ensure that all of their programmes are delivered to meet the needs of employers and the market ensuring the best support is given for the professional journey of each individual.

www.grouphorizon.co.uk

For further information about Group Horizon please contact Keystone Communications:

Russell Drury: Tel: 01733 294524 Email: russell@keystonecomms.co.uk

Michael Crane: Tel: 01733 294524Email: michael@keystonecomms.co.uk

Tracey Rushton-Thorpe: Tel: 01733 294524 Email: tracey@keystonecomms.co.uk

Group Horizon wins Contribution to Training Award

Group Horizon has won the highly coveted ‘Contribution to Training Award’ at the 2022 BCIA Awards.

As the leading honours programme in the building controls and BEMS industry, the BCIA Awards culminate in a prestigious ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole where the industry comes together to celebrate the very best in the business, spread across 10 different categories.

Up against three other shortlisted finalists, Group Horizon took home the trophy in recognition of its work in delivering the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4 – an expertly designed and skilfully delivered course which features the technical training and on the job assessments required to educate the controls engineers of tomorrow.

Peter Behan, Group Horizon Director, was on hand to collect the award on the night of the ceremony and commented: “We are delighted to win the BCIA Contribution to Training Award in recognition of our work in helping to bring through the next generation of building controls engineers. We are dedicated to empowering our learners to meet their professional goals and the whole Group Horizon team shares the same high levels of enthusiasm and commitment to surpassing learner and employer expectations.”

This years’ celebrations were held on Thursday 5th May and featured a three-course dinner, an awards ceremony and post show entertainment.

www.grouphorizon.co.uk

Apprenticeship Myth Busting

Peter Behan explores the myths which surround apprenticeships and debunks some common misconceptions.

Apprentices are for school leavers

Apprenticeships are for everyone and a proven route into skilled employment, offering an opportunity to earn while you learn, gain valuable work experience and pursue a successful career in your chosen field. Apprenticeships can also be entered into at any age and are not just for those starting out on their career path.

Apprentices don’t earn very much

Apprentices must receive at least the national minimum wage and a great number of employers choose to pay more than this.

Over the long-term, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more across their lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications. It’s also not uncommon for apprentices to end up earning more than their graduate counterparts, plus they typically won’t have loans to pay back.

Apprenticeships don’t lead to a full-time job

Many companies choose to employ apprentices once their course has been successfully completed and over 90% of apprentices either remain in employment or continue their learning.

Apprenticeships don’t cover the areas that matter most to employers

Apprenticeship standards are now developed by a number of organisations who work together to create learning material that will provide the individual with the knowledge and expertise to succeed. Therefore, when an individual completes their course they possess a skillset employers are specifically looking for.

Apprentices are only given menial work to do

Apprenticeships are full time paid jobs and most cover a wide range of tasks, including areas of the business where there are clear skills gaps. Most organisations recognise the benefits of offering opportunities to get to know different areas of the business. According to research, a quarter of former apprentices (23%) secure a promotion within 12 months of qualifying.

Businesses are not currently taking apprentices on

Following a tough couple of years, many businesses have detailed plans in place to expediate future growth. New starter levels are now rising steadily and there has been a noticeable uptick in apprenticeship interest from businesses and individuals.

Employers don’t value apprenticeships

Apprentices are proven to add value to a business, often filling skills gaps and bringing fresh perspective to a role. Furthermore, studies have suggested that apprenticeships boost productivity and employers believe that former apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications.

Apprentices are a “Driving Force” in Building Back Stronger

Apprentices are a “driving force” in building back stronger, says leading training provider

In the wake of National Apprenticeship Week, leading training provider Group Horizon believes the popularity in apprenticeships will continue to surge as more UK employers realise the many benefits of taking on an apprentice. With energy prices on the rise, the leading training provider also said the demand for highly skilled, adaptable engineers familiar with the latest building technologies will increase.

Group Horizon’s Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship is run in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) and has been designed to address the well-documented industry shortage of BEMS controls engineers and bring through a new generation of highly skilled operatives.

Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, said: “With new efficient building technologies emerging on a regular basis, energy management systems and solutions are no longer viewed as expensive extravagances but are essential long-term investments which help drive down costs and improve the wellbeing of building occupants. A new generation of skilled engineers is needed more than ever before and there is now fresh impetus to deliver the necessary training and ensure we have the talented individuals needed to deliver the buildings of tomorrow.”

The third BEMS Apprenticeship programme is now underway and, with plenty of positive feedback from the first two cohorts, demand for places on the apprenticeship is expected to remain high.

Jake Jarram, an apprentice with Building Control Specialists, said: “I have been very impressed with how well structured the modules are in the BCIA 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. Working in various places and contributing towards the completion of the project/maintenance. I am looking forward to my future in the building controls industry.”

The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions.

Peter Behan concluded: “After a tough couple of years, many businesses now have detailed plans in place as part of a nationwide effort to expediate a return to something approaching normality. Apprentices are a driving force in the campaign to build back stronger, with new starter levels rising steadily and a noticeable uptick in interest from businesses and individuals.”

To find out more about the apprenticeships available with Group Horizon visit: https://grouphorizon.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Building a Better Future

Building a better future

With National Apprenticeship Week still fresh in the memory it’s an opportune time to examine how apprenticeships can offer individuals the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a fulfilling career within their chosen industry, whilst at the same time allowing employers to take on and retain highly skilled, ambitious operatives.

The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2022 was ‘Build the Future’ (allied to the fundamental messages featured in the Build Back Better campaign), encouraging all parties to consider the ways in which apprenticeships can help individuals, employers, local communities, and the wider economy.

For employers, taking on an apprentice should be viewed as an investment in the future of the organisation – an ideal opportunity to address skills gaps, upskill the workforce and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead. Investing in a workforce helps to retain talent and apprentices gain the all-important skills and knowledge needed to drive your business forward, taking on the values of the company and contributing to the development of a confident, dynamic workforce with future-ready skills. Businesses that have previously taken on apprentices recognise the value they can offer and the swift return on investment that can be achieved.

After a tough couple of years, many businesses now have detailed plans in place as part of a nationwide effort to expediate a return to something approaching normality. Apprentices are a driving force in the campaign the build back stronger, with new starter levels rising steadily and a noticeable uptick in interest from businesses and individuals.

Following a week of positive messaging and apprenticeship success stories there is clearly plenty of momentum behind the apprenticeship movement and whether you are looking to take on an apprentice or to start an apprenticeship yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Group Horizon apprenticeships are for both new recruits and existing employees and can help businesses meet skills demands whilst maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. View the full range of Group Horizon run apprenticeships at: www.grouphorizon.co.uk/our-courses

Make a Fresh Start in 2022

Make a fresh start in 2022

Peter Behan, Director of Group Horizon, encourages those looking to take the next step in their building controls career to consider a BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship.

If you currently work in the BEMS industry you may already be aware of the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship being delivered by Group Horizon. Run in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), the apprenticeship is directly addressing the well-documented industry shortage of BEMS controls engineers and bringing through a new generation of highly skilled operatives. But if you’re already familiar with the building controls industry, why should you take more of an interest in in training?

As energy prices continue to rise and show no sign of slowing down, improving energy efficiency will remain high on the agenda for business owners and building operators. One of the knock-on effects will be increased demand for highly skilled, adaptable engineers familiar with the latest building technologies and capable of integrating smart solutions into the built environment.

With new efficient building technologies emerging on a regular basis, energy management systems and solutions are no longer viewed as expensive extravagances but are essential long-term investments which help drive down costs and improve the wellbeing of building occupants. A new generation of skilled engineers is needed more than ever before and there is now fresh impetus to deliver the necessary training and ensure we have the talented individuals needed to deliver the buildings of tomorrow. Put simply, there has never been a better time to get involved and upskill in this exciting and dynamic industry.

The Group Horizon run apprenticeship offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. All aspects of the industry are covered, including Controls Hardware and Logic; Field Devices; Networking; Communication Protocols and Supervisor Software and on successful completion of the programme, individuals will receive the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship. In addition, on successful completion of technical modules BCM01 – 03 apprentices will receive the BCIA Technical Certificate and the BCIA Advanced Technical Certificate on successful completion of BCM04 – 06. Apprentices will also be eligible to apply for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Building Controls card at Associate or Integrator Level (depending on level of experience) on completion of specific BCIA technical training modules.

With the first two cohorts now underway and a third about to start, demand for places on this apprenticeship is high. To register your interest please visit: https://grouphorizon.co.uk/bems-referral-form/

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Visit Group Horizon at the Smart Buildings Show

The Future is Bright for BEMS

Don’t Leave it to Chance

Group Horizon launches new Data Analytics Apprenticeship

Group Horizon wins Contribution to Training Award

Apprentices are for school leavers

Apprentices don’t earn very much

Apprenticeships don’t lead to a full-time job

Apprenticeships don’t cover the areas that matter most to employers

Apprentices are only given menial work to do

Businesses are not currently taking apprentices on

Employers don’t value apprenticeships

Apprentices are a “driving force” in building back stronger, says leading training provider

Building a better future

Make a fresh start in 2022