News – Group Horizon

Category: News

Group Horizon is Cyber Essentials Plus Certified

Group Horizon is pleased to announce that it has received Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Cyber Essentials is a set of baseline technical controls produced by the UK Government and security industry to help organisations – large and small – improve their cyber security defences and demonstrate a public commitment to their network security and the standards to which they operate. Fundamentally, the scheme addresses the most common internet-based attacks that use widely available tools and that need very little skill for the attacker to use.

Cyber Essentials requires organisations to have a number of technical and procedural controls in place to improve their information security in order to mitigate common internet-borne cyber-attacks. Cyber Essentials Plus is a series of tests that provide a further level of assurance that these technical controls have been successfully implemented within an organisation.

Group Horizon has undergone an audit of its IT system by one of Cyber Essentials’ highly trained assessors and can now declare publicly, that the company has been proven to meet baseline security standards set out by Cyber Essentials Plus.

Group Horizon Managing Director Karen Nichols said: “Having already achieved the Cyber Essentials standard we decided we wanted to take our commitment to cyber security one step further and Cyber Essentials Plus is the audited version of the Cyber Essentials information security standard. We are extremely happy to have received this top-level certification so that our clients can be reassured our IT systems are protected by the very best cyber security.”

Group Horizon shortlisted for CIBSE Building Performance Award

Group Horizon shortlisted for CIBSE Building Performance Award

Group Horizon has been named as a finalist in the 2024 CIBSE Building Performance Awards.

The prestigious awards celebrate and recognise the very best people, products and projects that demonstrate engineering excellence in the built environment and are the only industry awards that focus on measured performance outcomes and not just design intent or performance specifications.

With the winners announced at an awards evening taking place on 29 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Group Horizon has been named on the shortlist in the ‘Learning and Development’ category in recognition for its work in successfully delivering apprenticeships that meet the needs of the building services industry.

The building services industry is seeking to achieve ambitious targets on the journey to Net Zero but for many years has suffered from a lack of specialist training. This, coupled with a skills shortage, which has plagued certain areas of the industry for many years, means that achievement of these targets begins to look increasingly unlikely.

As a national training provider, Group Horizon has sought to meet these challenges head on by engaging with the industry and embarking on a journey to deliver a series of niche apprenticeships which address the need to attract and train new entrants to the market and provide a solution to the long-term skills shortage in the industry.

Commenting on Group Horizon’s shortlisting for the Awards, Peter Behan, Group Horizon Director said: “We’re delighted to be named on the shortlist in the Learning and Development category. In delivering these apprenticeships we have enabled learners to develop relevant and desirable skills that are valued by employers across the UK and it’s a testament to our team that we are consistently recognised as a leading provider of industry specific training.”

Group Horizon at Smart Buildings Show 2023

Group Horizon at Smart Buildings Show 2023

Following a successful show in 2022, Group Horizon is returning to Smart Buildings Show at ExCeL, London on 18th-19th October 2023.

Smart Buildings Show is the UK’s leading exhibition and conference dedicated to the smart buildings industry and provides visitors with the information they need to arrive at an informed decision on how to make their buildings more economic for owners and more functional for occupiers.

The show features a wide range of CPD-accredited training sessions from some of the top names in the industry as well an exhibition hall packed full of leading vendors.

Group Horizon offers courses and apprenticeships that offer a gateway into the flourishing smart building sector, including the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4 and the Data Analyst Apprenticeship Level 4. As a national training provider, Group Horizon invests heavily in research and curriculum development to ensure that these programmes are delivered to meet the needs of employers and the smart buildings market.

Come and visit Group Horizon on Stand A25 to learn more about industry focused training courses and apprenticeships.

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

Group Horizon Celebrates Renewed Matrix Accreditation

Group Horizon celebrates renewed Matrix accreditation

Group Horizon has once again achieved Matrix accreditation after meeting stringent assessment criteria.

The Matrix standard is recognised within the sector as the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance (IAG). Having held Matrix accreditation for the past 10 years, Group Horizon has been consistently recognised as a leading IAG provider and is committed to upholding the highest possible standards by benchmarking against best practice.

The matrix Standard comprises four elements:

Leadership and Management
Resources
Service Delivery
Continuous Quality Development

In order to achieve accreditation, an independent assessor must confirm that all criteria are met. As the Matrix standard is an outcome-based standard, the assessor will not only look at the processes used to support delivery but also at the results achieved. Primary evidence is collected through interviews with individuals directly involved in delivery and those affected by it.

Group Horizon’s latest Matrix assessment took place across two days and closely examined the organisation’s approach to supporting learners, employees, partners and employers in providing information, advice and guidance.

Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, commented: “We are delighted to have again secured Matrix accreditation and it’s a testament to the outstanding efforts of our team that we will be able to continue to proudly display the Matrix quality mark. Thank you to everyone involved in the accreditation process as well as our exceptional learners and employers.”

Group Horizon Wins Training Award for Second Year Running

Group Horizon wins training award for second year running

For the second year in a row Group Horizon has won the Contribution to Training Award at the BCIA Awards.

As the biggest and best awards programme in the building controls and BEMS industry, the BCIA Awards recognise innovation, product development, project delivery and great training, culminating in a prestigious ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Facing fierce competition in the form of six other shortlisted finalists, Group Horizon once again claimed the Contribution to Training Award in recognition of its work in successfully delivering the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4 and helping to bring through the controls engineers of tomorrow.

Group Horizon Director Peter Behan collected the trophy on the night of the ceremony and commented: “We are thrilled to have picked up this award for the second year running. The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship programme continues to go from strength to strength and Group Horizon are proud to be able to deliver technical training to the next generation of learners.”

More information on the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship can be found here.

BCIA 2023 Awards Team Photo

BCIA 2023 Awards Winner

BCIA 2023 Awards Contribution to Training Winner

BCIA 2023 Awards Winners

BCIA 2023 Awards Contribution to Training Nominees

BCIA 2023 Awards Apprentice of the Year

BCIA 2023 Awards

Group Horizon celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Leading training provider Group Horizon is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place 6-12 February 2023 and provides an ideal opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, believes that organisations should view taking on an apprentice as an investment that will help to address skills gaps, upskill the workforce and drive the business forward. He commented: “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. There are many benefits that come from investing in quality training – apprentices become motivated, bringing fresh and innovative skills and knowledge to the business.”

Recognised as an industry leader in training and apprenticeships for the building controls sector, Group Horizon won the highly coveted ‘Contribution to Training Award’ at the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards, in recognition of its work in delivering the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4. The apprenticeship has now passed 100 registrations since it was launched in April 2021.

Edward Fitchett, an Apprentice Controls Technician with Johnson Controls, described his experience on the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship so far: “When I first began my apprenticeship I didn’t have much knowledge on the industry, but the mix of training and on the job work gave me a really strong start. There’s a wide range of engineers and other apprentices to work with, who all have different specialties and levels of experience within the industry, so there’s always someone to talk to for advice no matter the issue.

Peter Behan added: “Apprenticeships are for everyone and provide 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.”

Group Horizon specialises in a range of training programmes, for both new recruits and existing employees, which are tailored to specific job roles within businesses to assist growth and increase productivity. The programmes have been developed for businesses by businesses, enabling learners to develop relevant and desirable skills that are valued by employers across the UK.

Peter Behan concluded: “We are delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week, which has become an important date in the industry calendar. Businesses that have previously taken on apprentices recognise the value they can offer and the swift return on investment that can be achieved.”

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 308992, Email: russell@keystonecomms.co.uk

Michael Crane, Tel: 01733 308992, Email: michael@keystonecomms.co.uk

BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship passes 100 registrations

Group Horizon, the specialist training provider, has announced that more than 100 apprentices have now registered for the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship since it was first launched in April 2021.

The Apprenticeship was launched in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) following a culmination of over four years of hard work by the Trailblazer Employer Group to address an industry-wide shortage of BEMS Controls Engineers. The seventh cohort of apprentices began their training in November 2022 taking the total number to 112.

Building Controls is a fast growing market with numerous opportunities for skilled engineers. The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship offers a balance of technical training and on the job assessments to match the needs and requirements of the apprentice’s employer.

Some of the apprentices on the programme have described how they have found their experience so far. Josh Parkin, Assistant Building Management Systems Engineer at Durham University, said: “What attracted me to the BEMS and controls industry was the ability to manage field equipment such as heating, ventilation, cooling and hot water from an automatic system and how much energy saving it can achieve. I am enjoying the apprenticeship and have found it beneficial in my day-to-day role at work by putting what I learn on my course into action.”

Zach Stanley, a BEMS Apprentice with Kendra Energy, 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 and it is amazing that I am able to have a job and learn at the same time.”

The training programme for the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship can be delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. It can take up to 36 months to complete.

On the Apprenticeship’s success so far, Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, commented: “100 registrations in less than two years is a significant milestone and we are delighted that we are helping to address what has been a serious issue for the Building Controls sector for some time.”

BCIA President Graeme Rees added: “The BCIA has long recognised that there has been a significant gap in skills and the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship was designed to help fill that gap. To have more than 100 people enrolled on the programme already represents a fantastic success on the part of the employer group that put it together.”

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

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

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