Engineering qualification comes to building-controls
The UK’s first-ever qualification for building-controls technicians is now up and running. The Level 3 NVQ Diploma for installing building-energy-management systems is awarded by EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) and endorsed by SummitSkills. The qualification was developed by Trend Controls Systems and vocational-training provider Apprenticeship Ltd (ATL). The BEMS Diploma became available at the start of this year and complies with the regulatory arrangements in the Government’s recently introduced Qualifications & Credit Framework.
The diploma involves training on and off the job and the completion of a series of knowledge and performance units. Knowledge units are completed at college and are the equivalent of the old technical-certificate element of an apprenticeship. Performance units are carried out in the workplace and require demonstration of practical skills to apply knowledge gained.
Phil Prosser, Trend’s learning-and-development manager, says, ‘The previous lack of a proper qualification in building controls has deterred people from entering the industry, which has led to skills shortages. Until now the only study options available to them have been general courses leading to technical certificated in electrical or building-services technology, part of which had no relevance to our sector.
‘In contrast, the college-course element of the new diploma has been precisely tailored to aid subsequent workplace learning by focusing on the underpinning knowledge required by a BEMS engineer.’
The course has 854 guided learning hours, and all 18 units must be completed to achieve the 125 credits needed to be awarded the BEMS Diploma.
