BSEE-JUN21-P09 BCIA_Layout 1 21/05/2021 11:38 Page 9


INDUSTRY COMMENT: BCIA On a Different Level


Terry Sharp, President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), discusses an exciting development for industry apprentices that will help ensure the levels of competence and professionalism will be higher than ever for the sector.


I am also keeping my fingers and toes crossed that our BCIA Awards event can go ahead as planned in September. After we announced the list of finalists in April it really would be a fantastic reward for so many of our members that have continued to push our industry forward with innovative products, projects and inspiring leadership.


‘lockdown’ Christmas. But, summer is here, we’re allowed to go to the pub, and the PR disaster that was the European Super League has sunk like a stone – what was all that about?! Things are looking up.


H ow is it June


already? It seems like it was just last month we were all enjoying (or enduring) a


Aside from all this activity, more exciting news arrived as national training provider Group Horizon Ltd, in partnership with the BCIA, announced their delivery of the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship. This came as the result of four years of hard work by BCIA members, and represents a significant landmark in 2021, which the BCIA has dedicated as our ‘Year of Training’. Group Horizon delivers fully accredited qualifications delivered by specialist assessors who each bring a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Group Horizon will be delivering BCIA’s own courses BCM00 – BCM15, and the partnership means that Apprentices will be getting industry specific training on courses developed by BCIA members.


Commercial buildings represent one of the largest capital expenses for businesses, and building owners and managers are constantly looking for ways to make their buildings more efficient and sustainable and this is where BEMS play a fundamental role. Through real time control of the building’s plant such as HVAC, lighting and power systems, BEMS keep the building running efficiently, ensuring that all of the building services are integrated to operate in the most effective manner. The challenge for the BEMS Controls Engineer is knowing how to achieve this level of efficiency. Building Controls is a fast growing market with numerous opportunities for skilled engineers and this Apprenticeship will address an industry wide shortage of BEMS Controls Engineers who will use the skills they learn today to keep the buildings of tomorrow running efficiently.


Over a period of up to 36 months Apprentices will experience 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. Throughout the Apprenticeship learners will be required to attend a series of classroom and/or online sessions covering the technical theory which is included in the BCIA technical course modules BCM00 – BCM15. Learners will also be required to attend functional skills elements of the course (including Maths and English where required). These sessions will be planned in advance to minimise impact on the day-to- day business of the employer.


In working alongside Group Horizon we firmly believe that the building controls industry will set itself new standards for competence and professionalism. Partnered with the BCIA’s own passion for promoting a better understanding and application of building controls, it is extremely pleasing to know that the next generation of building controls engineers will be given first class training and guidance that will hopefully lead to a long and rewarding career.


www.bcia.co.uk


BSEE


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BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2021 9


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