Strengthening facilities management skills
August 1st 2009 Asset Skills is working to ensure facilities management (FM) has a highly skilled workforce through the development of new qualifications.The work builds on the 2008 publication of the first ever National Occupational Standards for FM produced by Asset Skills which set out the responsibilities expected of someone working in the field.
“There is a real need for an FM workforce that understands the complexities and changing nature of the sector and it is hugely important that more recruits can attain a recognised qualification in FM,” says Karen Waterlow, FM specialist adviser at Asset Skills.
“There are a range of qualifications which have either just been launched or are about to be launched which will help raise the credibility and profile of the industry. They will open up facilities management and help attract new blood while also developing existing staff.”
The occupational standards of 2008 have formed the basis for awarding bodies to develop National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in facilities management. The Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board has recently launched its FM NVQ and others are set to do the same soon.
The new apprenticeship framework, available from September 2009, will provide an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to enter or develop a career in FM. It combines the NVQ in FM, a technical certificate (a new level 3 award offered by the Institute of Leadership and Management and developed with the British Institute of Facilities Management) and key skills training. For experienced staff with no formal industry-specific qualification, there is the option of the NVQ as a standalone qualification based on their experience.
Asset Skills is also creating pathways to FM through lower level qualifications in other services areas. These include the new Apprenticeship in Cleaning and Support Services at level 2 and a new award, Skills for Supporting Public Service.
“We are working with Further Education colleges, private training providers and employers to find a way of getting the training delivery in place,” says Waterlow.
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