24 June 2016 | Jamie Harris

The BIFM is calling for employers to have their say on an FM supervisor apprenticeship, set up as part of the government’s trailblazer initiative.

The initiative sees employer groups join in designing apprenticeship schemes. The BIFM and a number of employers have developed a facilities management apprenticeship aimed at FM supervisors. 

The consultation, which was opened to responses last month, has been extended until 8 July to get as many views from employers in the sector as possible.

Fraser Talbot, professional standards and education manager at BIFM, said: “Developing a trailblazer FM supervisors apprenticeship is the only way in which FM companies will be able to take full advantage of the funding from the Apprenticeship Levy when it is introduced next year.

“Therefore we have extended the initial consultation deadline to ensure we have developed a framework that is suitable for industry needs.

“It is crucial that employers of all sizes contribute to this process to ensure the new frameworks provide the skilled workforce the industry needs.”

The new apprenticeship for FM supervisors aims to prepare an individual for managing a facilities management service, or a group of services, which can be labelled as ‘hard’ (estate/building management) or soft (catering/cleaning/administration/security).

All apprentices would be required to supervise others, to understand the contractual requirements and service delivery targets between their employing organisation and the client/customer to achieve service targets. The apprentice will have to provide customer service skills and be proactive in finding solutions to problems.

To participate in the employers’ consultation, visit:

www.bifm.org.uk/TrailblazerFMSconsultation

Download the documents here: