Applications for the second cohort recently closed and the programme was once again fully booked.

The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Standard is a three year technical training programme that will address an industry-wide shortage of BEMS Controls Engineers who will use the technical skills they learn on the Apprenticeship to keep the buildings of tomorrow running efficiently.

It offers a balance of on the job assessments and technical training which covers all aspects of the industry, including Controls Hardware and Logic; Field Devices; Networking; Communication Protocols and Supervisor Software. Group Horizon’s specialist tutors, who each bring a wealth of experience in their chosen field, will deliver the BCIA’s technical training course modules BCM00 – BCM15 as part of the Apprenticeship.

On successful completion of the programme, individuals will receive the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship. In addition, on successful completion of technical modules BCM01 – 03 apprentices will receive the BCIA Technical Certificate and the BCIA Advanced Technical Certificate on successful completion of BCM04 – 06. Apprentices will also be eligible to apply for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Building Controls card at Associate or Integrator Level (depending on level of experience) on completion of specific BCIA technical training modules.

Zach Stanley, a BEMS Apprentice with Kendra Energy, has been impressed with the amount of help and education he has received on the programme so far. He said: “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. So far I am three months in and I am eager to learn what I can each day and looking forward to learning more, as the more I understand the more I can do. Everyone is very helpful and friendly and can always answer my questions when I ask them.”

BCIA President Terry Sharp said: “I am delighted that the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship is now in delivery and that the demand for places is such that the second cohort has been fully booked up. This is a very proud moment for the BCIA and will ensure that our industry has the skills it needs to maintain the highest levels of professionalism.”

Further dates will be announced in due course. For more information please visit: https://bcia.co.uk/training/trailblazer/