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Who and Why

Peter Behan, Director of Group Horizon, explains why the company’s Junior Energy Management apprenticeship programme is suitable for anybody considering their career options or looking for a new challenge thanks to its real-world work experience and a skill set that every company should have in the 21^st century.

Many of us have probably considered a career change at various points in our lives. For some, remaining in the same sector from their late teens/early 20s until retirement can bring many rewards and plenty of experience, while others reach a point where they feel they have got as far as they can on one career path and decide to go in a different direction altogether. Everyone is different and we all vary in how we are motivated.

The recent lockdowns have been difficult for everyone in a variety of ways, but they have also spurred people into trying new things like learning to play an instrument, learning a foreign language or improving their health and fitness – bike sales increased by 63 per cent during the first lockdown according to the UK’s Bicycle Association.

One thing that might deter people from making a fresh start is the thought of being behind everybody else while they are only just beginning and also being unsure of whether they will be able to secure a job. Group Horizon’s Junior Energy Management apprenticeship programme, however, really is open to anybody – and there is currently a major shortage of trained Energy Managers, so anybody who completes this apprenticeship will be helping to fill a void.

Many commercial buildings were left virtually empty during lockdown and this has led to many businesses having to reassess how they manage their premises. As more businesses come to realise that running their building at 100 per cent capacity is neither cost nor energy efficient when it is only partially occupied, there is a growing demand for the deployment of in-house Energy Managers. What’s more, it presents a fantastic opportunity for anybody who has been considering a change of career – especially during lockdown when the jobs market has been competitive and people have been assessing their career options or looking to try something new.

An Energy Manager could come from any previous background, whether it’s in banking, retail, construction, education or something else entirely. Apprentices are given the chance to learn a new set of skills and gain invaluable knowledge that will lead them on to a rewarding new career.

Liam Doughty, from Gateshead, previously worked in Facilities Management before starting a new role as an Energy Technician within Gateshead Council. Liam did not have any previous background within the energy industry, so he took up the Junior Energy Management apprenticeship opportunity with Group Horizon, a move that he is now reaping the benefits from. The qualification has provided Liam with a massive opportunity to progress his knowledge and skills in the energy industry and also move his career forward.

If Liam’s story inspires you then you too can begin your journey to become an Energy Manager under the guidance of Group Horizon. Also, if you are a company looking to meet your sustainability targets then an Energy Manager could be your answer. The Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship programme offers a balance of technical training and on-the-job assessments to match your needs and requirements and can be delivered on site in 24 months.

Group Horizon aims to “fill the void” of trained Energy Managers

Leading national training provider Group Horizon believes the impact of lockdown plus the increasing need for energy efficiency in buildings can inspire a new generation of Energy Managers that will help organisations meet their own sustainability targets and reduce costs.

Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, said: “There is a major shortage of trained Energy Managers and we want to help fill the void. The Junior Energy Management apprenticeship programme really is open to anybody and an Energy Manager could come from any previous background, whether you have worked in banking, manufacturing or construction or something else entirely. It will also provide the apprentice with a new set of skills and invaluable knowledge that could potentially open a lot of doors for them later in their career.”

With many commercial buildings left virtually empty during lockdown many businesses have had to reassess their approach to how they manage their premises. As more businesses come to realise that running their building at 100 per cent capacity is neither cost nor energy efficient when it is only partially occupied, there is a growing demand for the deployment of in-house energy managers. What’s more, it presents a fantastic opportunity for anybody who has been considering a change of career – especially during lockdown when the jobs market has been competitive and people have been assessing their career options.

Liam Doughty, from Gateshead, previously worked in Facilities Management before starting a new role as an Energy Technician within Gateshead Council. Liam did not have any previous background within the energy industry, so he took up the Junior Energy Management apprenticeship opportunity with Group Horizon, a move that he is now reaping the benefits from. Liam said: “The qualification has provided me with a massive opportunity allowing me to not only progress with my knowledge and skills in the energy industry but help me move forward in my career.”

Liam is hoping that this is just the start of his career in the industry saying: “The training has provided me with a foundation to start within the energy industry, allowing me to then further my education in this field. My goal is to complete the Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship with sight to go on to a higher-level education within this field.”

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

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

Revised emissions target set to intensify demand for energy management skills

The UK government’s ambitious target to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels has refocused the spotlight on energy management and the need to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions whilst striving to lower costs. This new target amounts to a 60% reduction on today’s levels and will require a concerted, co-ordinated effort by organisations across all industries.

Energy manager job roles are becoming increasingly commonplace among organisations that are committed to developing sustainable business practices and understanding energy performance. To fully understand how the typical component parts and systems found in commercial buildings perform in terms of energy consumption there needs to be a thorough appreciation of how energy flows in and out of a building and how key elements can be reconfigured to work in harmony with one another to limit energy loss wherever possible.

With UK energy costs also on the rise once again, energy management skills are expected to be in high demand. Training and apprenticeships based around the core theme of energy management are becoming progressively more popular amongst learners and employers who recognise the need to act quickly and decisively on energy performance in buildings. A Level 3 Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship will provide foundation knowledge across 11 core topics of energy management, including technical, assessments, behavioural change, regulatory and legal, waste management, transport, procurement, water and more. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship the individual will walk away with a clear understanding of the economics of energy consumption, the processes used to determine energy performance and the fundamentals of how to audit and advise on improvements to energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The employer ultimately benefits from having an in-house energy manager with the skills and expertise to meet the organisation’s sustainability commitments.

Peter Behan, director of Group Horizon, comments: “The Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship aligns perfectly with the government’s latest emissions targets and the pathway to net-zero. Group Horizon has a faultless record of delivering high quality training delivered on site or through online sessions and the Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship appeals to a broad range of industry sectors, including construction and the built environment, NHS, Network Rail, property, retail and leisure.”

Concerns around climate change are driving increasingly rapid changes in government policy which in turn is leading to the creation of new sustainability and energy management job roles with excellent long-term prospects. Organisations across the UK are being prompted to rethink their longstanding energy strategies and should seriously consider the merits of investing in specialist in-house skills and know-how to promote long-term savings.

Benefits of the Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship

Peter Behan, Director of Group Horizon, discusses the company’s Junior Energy Management apprenticeship programme and the benefits it could bring to your company.

Before social distancing came along, energy efficiency had become the most important aspect in commercial building management. The onset of Covid and the subsequent lockdowns has perhaps exacerbated the need for energy efficiency in buildings; this was clearly evident when we were all told to stay at home while lights continued to burn brightly in office buildings up and down the country. Not all of them of course, and organisations who were well on top of their energy management will have had systems in place to switch off services that were not required as people began to work from home where possible.

Even now as some of us return to our normal places of work, in many cases commercial buildings will be operating at a reduced capacity, with some areas of a building used much less than before. Maintaining a tight grasp on their energy efficiency is therefore going to be crucial for organisations in both the short-term and the long-term. There is also the significant challenge of the UK’s net-zero carbon by 2050 target looming on the horizon. If we are to achieve this then we must continue to address the well-documented statistic that buildings account for over 40 per cent of the global energy consumption with commercial premises accounting for more than half of that figure.

Due to the rise of the cost of energy the UK will become one of the most competitive market places for energy management skills over the next five to seven years. With a major shortage of trained energy managers, Group Horizon can help companies reduce energy consumption and costs and meet their sustainability requirements through our Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship programme. Energy managers can come from all types of companies and industries, including hospitality, leisure, retail, banking, manufacturing, construction, and property. As I have already mentioned, energy management is going to become even more crucial for businesses and having somebody trained in-house will be a huge advantage to the consultancy market. Meanwhile new and existing employees or apprentices are given the opportunity to develop life-long skills and gain valuable, hands-on workplace experience whilst earning a wage.

During the course, the apprentice will learn a range of energy management skills which can benefit organisations and lead to long term savings, including:

How energy flows in and out of buildings, equipment and processes and how key energy systems operate
The economics of energy consumption, supply and demand of energy, sustainability issues and role of the organisation in tackling them
Relevant level of theory and practices that underpin the energy efficient use of equipment, processes, and IT systems
How to read meters and sub-meters, collect, record and analyse metered data and interpret the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance requirements
How to conduct an audit and write up findings to demonstrate any non-conformance concerns

Group Horizon has a proven track record of developing new and innovative provision in a range of subject areas. Our specialist assessors bring a wealth of experience in their chosen fields and invest heavily in research and curriculum development to ensure that all our programmes are delivered up to date and relevant to the job market and the needs of employers. With the Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship, you will ensure your company stays in firm control of its energy consumption while creating a greener future for the UK.

For more information please visit: www.grouphorizon.co.uk

Junior Energy Management apprenticeship helps companies meet sustainability targets

Group Horizon, a leading national training provider, has announced the launch of its Junior Energy Manager apprenticeship programme, which it believes will help organisations meet sustainability commitments by reducing energy consumption and reducing costs, as well as contributing towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.

Due to the rise of the cost of energy the UK will become one of the most competitive market places for energy management skills over the next five to seven years. With a major shortage of trained energy managers, this apprenticeship will help to address the need for basic in-house energy management skills which can benefit organisations and lead to long term savings.

The apprenticeship takes up to 24 months to complete and can be delivered on an organisation’s own premises or through online sessions. An initial open day enrolment session will allow each learner to familiarise themselves with the aims, objectives, and outcomes of their programme, as well as getting to know the Group Horizon team who will offer support and guidance when needed.

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will be required to attend a series of classroom/online sessions covering the technical theory and functional skills (English, Maths—if required) elements of their course. These sessions will be planned in advance to ensure minimal impact on day-to-day business.

Energy managers can come from all types of companies and industries, including hospitality, leisure, retail, banking, manufacturing, construction and property. Energy management is going to be crucial for businesses now and in the future. Having somebody trained in-house will be a huge advantage to employers and the apprentice is afforded an opportunity to develop life-long skills and gain valuable, hands-on workplace experience whilst earning a wage.

Peter Behan

Group Horizon Director

Note to editors

www.grouphorizon.co.uk

For further information about Group Horizon please contact Keystone Communications:

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

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

House of Lords Launch of the Energy Management Apprenticeship

House of Lords Launch of the Energy Management Apprenticeship

The new Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship was officially launched by npower Business Solutions and Group Horizon at the House of Lords on 30th January 2020. The event was attended by several members of the House of Lords, Ministers of Parliament and representation from the UK’s largest organisations such as Network Rail, Siemens and YPO.

Lord Rupert Redesdale from the Energy Management Association (EMA), opened the event explaining the importance of Energy Management within the government agenda and beyond. Shadow FE & HE Minister Emma Hardy then followed, focusing on Education and the routes of learning to which she stressed the pleasure in hearing that the Junior Energy Manager Apprenticeship was at Level 3 allowing entry point to be based on ability rather than academic achievements. Peter Behan, Chair and owner of Group Horizon, finished the session outlining Group Horizons involvement in energy efficiency and renewable training, our Ofsted result and outlining the Delivery and Partnership Model we can offer.

This Apprenticeship has arrived at a pivotal point with the Government commitment to move to “Net Zero” Carbon by 2050. The Junior Energy Management Level 3 Apprenticeship provides organisations with an in-house energy manager aimed at meeting sustainability commitments which will lead to reducing energy costs, energy usage, carbon emissions, upskilling and retraining their current workforce.

This Apprenticeship provides foundation knowledge across 11 core topics of Energy Management. The Apprenticeship can be delivered nationwide and can take up to 24 months to complete. Entrants can come from all types of companies/industries, including hospitality, leisure, retail, banking, manufacturing, construction and property.

Group Horizon, a National Training Provider offering a specialist range of Apprenticeships and workforce development programmes, originally ran pilots of the Apprenticeship back in April 2019 but due to demand have increased the number of Apprentices enrolled to 45 learners, which have been delivered in various areas across the UK.

To find out more from the day, please read Alison Washbourne’s blog from the launch by clicking here.

For further information on the Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship download the Product Sheet or contact Alison Washbourne and she will be happy to help (alison.washbourne@grouphorizon.co.uk).

SME employers can now access the Digital Apprenticeship Service

From the 1st January 2020 the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) gave access to the Digital Apprentices Service (DAS) to all small to medium size employers.

All employers in England will have better access to buy high quality apprenticeships from January 2020. SME businesses, who don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy, will take full control over apprenticeships in their business as they will have to register them and bring them on board using the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s digital apprenticeship service (DAS)

Every apprenticeship employer in England will have access to the full benefits of the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s (ESFA) apprenticeship service. With the first employers and providers commencing their use from January 2020.

Previously, only apprenticeship levy-paying employers – those with an annual total pay bill of over £3m – or those in receipt of a transfer of apprenticeship funds – were able to use the full benefits that the apprenticeship service brings.

From January 2020 employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to create accounts on the apprenticeship service and begin arranging their own apprenticeships. These employers will be able to:

Choose from a range of apprenticeship standards;
Choose a provider from the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) to deliver apprenticeship training;
Find an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO);
Reserve access to funding for apprenticeship training and assessment;
Agree contracts with providers; and
Benefit from collaborative relationships by delegating permissions to providers to service their accounts

To assist you in supporting your partners and employers with the changes Group Horizon have produced this guide, which includes some information received directly from the ESFA and also links to online tools and instructions to help and support. You can download our SME and The Digital Apprenticeship Service Guide by Clicking Here. Our guide includes the following:

How to register and use the apprenticeship service as an employer
Managing cohorts and apprentices
Using your account
Reservation of funds
How will reservations work?
How to make a reservation

Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship – House of Lords Launch

We are thrilled to announce that on Thursday 30th January, we will be officially launching the exciting Level 3 Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship at The House of Lords in London with our business partner npower Business Solutions.

Working closely with the Energy Manager’s Association (EMA), who will be the End Point Assessor (EPA), we have combined Group Horizon’s long history of delivering high quality learning with nBS’s expert knowledge of energy and energy management to meet the specified training standards of the Level 3 Junior Energy Management apprenticeship. The launch will be attended by a number of Members of the House of Lords, Members of Parliament, sector experts and representatives from some of the UK’s largest employers.

We truly believe that this apprenticeship not only fits in with the ESFA “Fire it Up” apprenticeship campaign but also with BEIS campaigns promoting good Energy Management and the wider Government commitment to move to “Net Zero” Carbon by 2050. Businesses who put employees through the “JEM” apprenticeship will start to find opportunities very quickly for reducing their energy costs, their energy usage and their carbon emissions, upskilling and retraining their employees and helping the fight on Climate Change.

This Apprenticeship provides bedrock and foundation knowledge across 11 core topics of Energy Management including Technical; Assessments; Behavioural Change; Regulatory and Legal; Waste Management; Transport; Procurement; Water and many more, all coming together to provide a robust underpinning knowledge. The Apprenticeship can be delivered nationwide and can take up to 24 months to complete. Entrants can come from all types of companies/industries, including hospitality, leisure, retail, banking, manufacturing, construction and property.

On successful completion of this Apprenticeship programme individuals will receive the following;

Junior Energy Manager Apprenticeship at Level 3
Level 2 Functional Skills, English (If required)
Level 2 Functional Skills, Maths (If required) and
Membership of the Energy Managers Association (EMA) or Technical Membership status of the Energy Institute (TMEI)

Group Horizon originally ran a pilot of the Apprenticeship back in April 2019 but due to demand we have increased the number of Apprentices enrolled to 45 learners, delivered in various areas across the UK. One of our Apprentices Liam Doughty of Gateshead Council, who enrolled onto the pilot in the North East, said “The qualification has provided me with a massive opportunity allowing me to not only progress with my knowledge and skills in the energy industry but help me move forward in my career.” Liam added “All the staff at Group Horizon have been fantastic and have clearly put a lot of work into making the programme happen, from the preparation of the classroom days to the reviews and assessment of the assignments.”.

Keep up to date with the launch by following us through our Social Media channels and to read more about the Junior Energy Management Apprenticeship Click Here or download the Product Sheet.

Its Official! Ofsted rated “Good” across all indicators!

Our first Ofsted inspection took place on 10th – 13th December 2019 using the new Education Inspection Framework. We were notified on Friday 6th December that 5 inspectors would be visiting Group Horizon and that learners and employers would be interviewed from sites across England and in our partnerships in the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Our strategic leadership approach was commended. “Leaders have a clear strategic rationale for the delivery of apprenticeship programmes in manufacturing, management and energy…. they work effectively with employers….. to identify and design programmes that support apprentices and learners to develop the technical skills required to meet local and regional need. Leaders are ambitious for learners…. They plan and deliver specialist programmes that provide learners and apprentices with the knowledge and skills that they need to be successful in the energy, logistics and manufacturing industries.”

Apprenticeship programmes demonstrate that learners “value the qualifications that they study towards. Staff work in close collaboration with employers to design and deliver programmes that maximise apprentices’ ability to develop new knowledge and skills. Apprentices quickly develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours which leads to a high proportion achieving their qualifications.”

On our new Junior Energy Management programme… “Energy apprentices acquire a greater breadth of knowledge in the calculation of energy consumption. They use this knowledge to consider energy efficiencies and provide advice to colleagues and customers on how to manage energy more effectively. Tutors consistently check knowledge in sessions and use online tests to enable apprentices to recall information.”

Adult programmes were commended for the increase in confidence that learners achieve as they gain new knowledge and skills in construction, manufacturing and logistics. “Adult learners receive high-quality training which they see as the key to opening the door to future employment.” Our staff were commended for the support they give …. “Adult learners with mental health issues receive support from tutors and are referred to external agencies to receive specialist help.”

On British Values and Safeguarding, Ofsted found that learners and apprentices develop a good understanding of the values needed to live and work in modern Britain. Leaders implement suitable safeguarding procedures to keep learners safe and ensure that staff and learners receive effective safeguarding training.

Our success is due to our dedicated team of staff and it is refreshing to see the positive commentary about our experienced and dedicated trainers.

Thanks to the team and to all of the learners and their employers who contributed and continue to support our success. The Ofsted Grade 2 overall gives us a firm platform to build upon. Needless to say, we won’t let up on the continuous improvements.

To read the full Ofsted report please click here or visit the Ofsted website to view the report by clicking here.

Why not take a look at the Apprenticeships and Short Courses that we offer by clicking here or for further information contact us at info@grouphorizon.co.uk or call 0800 002 9805

People in Power Awards 12.09.2018

On September 12th the People in Power Awards was held at St. George’s Park, Burton-on-Trent – The FA’s National Football Centre as part of the annual NSAP Conference. The awards celebrate the breadth of talent that exists within the power sector. There were eight awards presented on the night across six categories. Our very own Karl Warner (npower) Smart Meter Apprentice was nominated for the Rising Star Award. We are all very proud of Karl and although he didn’t win on the night it is a massive achievement to be nominated and put through as a finalist! Well done to all the winners. A full list of nominees and winners can be found here: https://www.euskills.co.uk/people-in-power-awards-2018-finalists/

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