The FM apprenticeships were developed by employers in collaboration with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and other key stakeholders.
The FM manager (Level 4) and senior/head of FM degree (Level 6) apprenticeships will be available to FM professionals looking to take the next step in their careers later this year once the assessment plans for each have also been approved by the government.
The new apprenticeships are part of a series that have been created by a Trailblazer group of employers and higher education institutes in conjunction with BIFM following a 2013 government review to give employers a greater say in the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of their workforce.
In February, an FM supervisor (Level 3) apprenticeship standard and assessment plan was approved for delivery, while an expression of interest has been made to develop a facilities services operative (Level 2) apprenticeship.
BIFM acting chief executive Linda Hausmanis said: 鈥淢any people tend to think that apprenticeships are only for entry level employees, but having FM apprenticeships at all levels will provide many valuable benefits to both employers and their staff, enabling organisations to upskill their people as part of their ongoing learning and development throughout their careers. This highlights the value that employers place on having a highly-trained workforce, and the relevance of the FM professional standards to industry.鈥�
Katie Nightingale, early careers manager at Kier Group and chair of the Trailblazer group, said: 鈥淎pprenticeships have always been, and will continue to be, a vital entry route for people into our business. With a push from government and employers to improve apprenticeships and offer even more options, including degree level, we believe the opportunities for individuals to forge a great and sustainable career in facilities management can start with an apprenticeship.
鈥淭hrough collaboration with BIFM and other employers, we are developing FM apprenticeships that will be truly fit for purpose and provide a clear career pathway. We want to make the FM world an attractive proposition for prospective employees and having these new standards will go a long way to support this.鈥�
Dr Paul Wyton, subject group leader for facilities management at Sheffield Hallam University, one of the higher education institutes and training providers on the Trailblazer group, said: 鈥淭he approval of the apprenticeship standards by the Minster of State for Skills is significant in the continued professionalisation and recognition of FM, and its importance to the UK economy.
鈥淭he launch of degree apprenticeships in FM is a great opportunity for further development of the profession, for the first time providing funded routes to completing a degree in FM.
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