Group Horizon is celebrating another major milestone as 20 newly qualified apprentices, fresh from completing the Group Horizon run BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship, have now received their ECS Gold cards.

A highly respected certification and one that demonstrates that the cardholder has completed a formal industry regulated competency-based qualification, the ECS Gold card is for operatives who work unsupervised to install and maintain integrated building controls that manage the environmental services within a building.

Typical work covered by the card includes the installation, commissioning, repair and maintenance of electromechanical, electronic or pneumatic measurement, control and regulation devices used in the building controls industry.

With over 250 learners now enrolled on the Group Horizon run apprenticeship – developed alongside the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) – and another 20 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 engineers with ECS Gold cards.

The apprenticeship was introduced to address an urgent need to bring skilled engineers into the industry and the awarding of cards to the first 20 fully qualified apprentices is another significant moment in a sustained campaign to close a skills gap that could otherwise hamper efforts to keep the buildings of tomorrow running efficiently.

Peter Behan, Director of Group Horizon, commented: “We are immensely proud that the first of our BEMS Controls Engineer Apprentices are now receiving their ECS Gold cards. The awarding of these cards is further recognition that our newly qualified apprentices have demonstrated the practical and theoretical proficiency required to work on site and are ready to step into roles that will help future-proof our commercial buildings.”

Andy Reakes, Chief Operating Officer at ECS, added: “It is excellent to see the first completions of the Level 4 BEMS Apprenticeship with Group Horizon leading directly to the issue of ECS Gold Cards for building controls.

“These initiatives, supported by employers and industry, are setting a benchmark for building services competence and align with the frameworks of the Building Safety Regulator and the Industry Competence Steering Group, where I have the privilege leading the electrotechnical function. This is another important milestone in ensuring that the workforce is skilled, experienced, recognised, and trusted to deliver to the highest standards of safety and quality.”

Stacey Lucas, President of the BCIA, stated: “The first cohort of BEMS Controls Engineer Apprentices receiving their ECS Gold card is a landmark moment for our industry, and one that the BCIA is proud to have played a part in. This achievement follows the reform of competency standards – a journey we continue to champion to ensure every facet of the construction industry operates at the highest level. Those holding the BEMS Gold Card are true trailblazers, setting a new benchmark for excellence in building energy management systems.”