The Asset Skills blog

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The Scottish Government is funding Asset Skills Scotland to deliver a pilot programme to help up to 60 candidates out of long-term unemployment, and to guarantee them at
least a genuine cleaning job interview.

Scottish employers who have vacancies now, or will have before the end of March 2012, are invited to get involved in this fully-funded programme.

Candidates will undertake the ‘Cleaning Sector Employability Routeway’ which has two core elements:

- a two-week class-based training programme focused on cleaning and
employability skills, and

- a three-week work experience programme where candidates will work alongside an experienced cleaning operative to develop an understanding of the technical and employability skills required in a cleaning role.

The Scottish Government funding is good news for cleaning employers. The placement gives the prospective employer an opportunity to assess the candidate and their suitability for future employment. The candidate also comes to your organisation already having undertaken an fully-funded introductory training programme.

Asset Skills will be working with four groups of candidates at locations throughout Scotland.

The programme will be completed by March 2012.

If your organisation will have cleaning vacancies at any time between now and the end of March 2012 and you would like to benefit from this programme, please contact Tim Pogson, Head of Asset Skills Scotland, on tpogson@assetskills.org or call 0131 667 2448.

There are a maximum of 60 places available, so spaces are likely to be booked quickly.

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised training programmes that offer an excellent way of mastering practical skills in the workplace, while gaining a formal qualification.

They give new or existing employees the chance to train as they work and earn money, and are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training.

Asset Skills has produced the following leaflets about apprenticeship in its footprint.

- Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship Facilities Services

- Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship Facilities Management

- Level 3 Facilities Management Apprenticeship

- Levels 2 and 3 Housing Apprenticeship

- Level 2 Cleaning and Support Services Apprenticeship

- Level 3 Certificate in Cleaning Supervision

- Levels 2 & 3 Property Services Apprenticeships

To download, visit http://www.assetskills.org/ApprenticeshipGuides/

Housing employers are being encouraged to get involved in a new venture that will offer practical assistance to housing organisations in the delivery of skills and vocational qualifications.

The Asset Skills UK Academy for Housing will help the sector identify good quality training through a selected network of learning providers.

It will run along the same lines as the organisation’s UK Academy for Business Services, launched in 2010, and the new UK Academy for Property.

“As the Sector Skills Council for housing, we have to ensure employers are accessing the best and most cost effective training available. Our UK Academy for Housing will encourage employers to collaborate on skills and qualifications programmes, which will then result in lower training costs through economies of scale,” said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.

Online forums will be launched to provide a moderated space for employers, students, assessors and tutors to learn, discuss and debate issues. Asset Skills is calling on employers to consider the benefits of UK Academy membership and contact Tom Orton at ukacademy@assetskills.org or 0844 822 2525.

We are also looking for housing professionals to consider becoming ‘qualifications assessors’ as part of the new academy.

Increasing numbers of learning providers in England and Wales are delivering a range of new work-based learning and apprenticeships and need housing professionals to support the coaching and assessment side of the qualifications.

You will need to have worked in housing and be interested in developing and motivating others.

If you have industry experience and are interested in developing your coaching and assessment skills, you could join the academy’s register of interest by contacting Tom Orton at torton@assetskills.org or call 0844 822 2525.

For more information about the UK Academy for Housing, email ukacademy@assetskills.org or call 0844 822 2525. To view a prospectus, visit http://www.assetskills.org/HousingAcademy/.

Cambridge 23 February 2011

Apprenticeships are set to play a key role in the country’s economic recovery.

Asset Skills, together with a network of leading training providers, is pioneering the Apprenticeship in Facilities Management, the first of its kind for this growing and strategic industry.

As part of our Virtual Academy for Business Services, we are holding apprenticeship promotion events across England.

The next one is in Cambridge on 23 February 2011 (Cambridge Regional College, 4:30pm–6:00pm).

There is no cost and by participating you can be sure of securing a place for yourself or your staff on a programme that has great potential for your business.

The apprenticeship will enable existing FM practitioners of all ages to extend their skills and knowledge at a time when every employee’s contribution is crucial to enabling organisations to do more with less.

The apprenticeship also offers a career pathway into the industry, raising the profile of facilities management and its potential as a career of first choice.

Hear about how the college will deliver the programme, other FM qualifications available and the funding that can make the training more accessible.

Read what real apprentices on this programme have said about its benefits here:

http://www.assetskills.org/FacilitiesManagement/CaseStudies/FMCaseStudies.aspx

There are people like Rob Wilson, 32, a Facilities Manager for a leading business services provider. "I have learned about the world of FM and how it works within my client's business. I have a much better understanding of how to deliver services and manage all the different aspects effectively and efficiently".

Or 18-year-old Jordan Clarke from the London Borough of Redbridge – “There aren’t many young people in FM and none of my friends know what it is. I think this programme will change that and make it a younger industry. There is plenty of potential here for me.”

Watch out for further messages from us in the new year, with full details of the event and a link to our online registration for the event.

For more, contact Tom Orton, Virtual Academy Coordinator, on virtualacademy@assetskills.org or 0844 822 2525.

A programme to train people in energy advice has been launched in Northern Ireland by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Danny Kennedy.

It is part of a campaign to help prepare employers in facilities management (FM), housing and property for a low carbon future.

In launching the programme, Minister Kennedy said: “I am delighted that my department was able to fund this new course which will impact not just on the people being trained and their employers, but will also assist business and homeowners to make their premises and homes more efficient, reduce carbon emissions and save them money on energy costs.”

Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for FM, housing and property, developed the training in response to a growing demand for qualified energy advisers. The programme has been driven by the commitment to reduce total carbon emissions in the UK by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills, said: “New skills, knowledge and understanding of green technologies and long-term sustainability issues are increasingly in demand.

“Tighter building regulations are improving the energy efficiency on new buildings, yet staff need to know how to maintain them in an environmentally conscious way. Efficient management of existing buildings is a crucial component in helping the built environment meet these targets.

The Energy Adviser Learning and Qualifications Programme was produced by Asset Skills in partnership with Northern Ireland’s Department for Employment and Learning, the North West Regional College, and Belfast Metropolitan College.

There are 30 free places available on the pilot programme which starts in January 2011. The learning involves one-to-one teaching and assessment, practical experience and online study. Candidates will be able to gain two nationally recognised qualifications offered by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE).

They include the:

• Level 3 Certificate in Energy Advice (Home) – 16 credits
• Level 4 Award in Renewable Technologies – 8 credits

Employers in FM, housing or property who would like to express an interest in the pilot should contact Philip Stott by email at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825.

The challenge to cut carbon levels to meet 2020 targets is already impacting on facilities management, property, planning and housing.

Property accounts for 47% of the UK’s carbon emissions and the government is legally committed to reducing these levels by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Tighter building regulations are improving the energy efficiency on new buildings while efficient management of existing buildings is crucial if these targets are to be met.

New skills, knowledge and understanding of green technologies and long term sustainability issues are increasingly in demand.

In an attempt to help employers in these sectors meet the new challenges, Asset Skills is launching several projects (listed below) through the Virtual Academy:

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Low Carbon Training Workshops with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate

In partnership with Bournemouth University and Universities South West, Asset Skills is holding three low carbon training workshops in South West England.

These events are targeting staff in commercial property such as facilities managers, property and energy managers, and non-domestic energy assessors and suppliers - anyone whose job requires low carbon management know-how.

Topics include:

- Energy efficiency and carbon reduction – including Display Energy Certificates, Energy Performance Certificates and new Energy Advice qualifications

- Renewable technologies – current and emerging options including practical issues such as feed in tariffs and smart metering

- The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) for high energy use companies.

Event details:

Friday 26 November 2010 - The Genesis Centre - Taunton. To register visit http://www.assetskills.org/Academy/Events/LowCarbonEvent.aspx

Friday 10 December 2010 - Bristol. To register visit http://www.assetskills.org/Academy/Events/LowCarbonEvent.aspx

Tuesday 25 January 2011 - Plymouth. To register visit http://www.assetskills.org/Academy/Events/LowCarbonEvent.aspx

Charge: £95.00 per delegate including lunch and refreshments.

For more information contact Phillip Stott at pstott@assetskills.org or 01392 456 825.

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Energy Advice for Homes and Commercial Premises

In partnership with Somerset and Cornwall Colleges, Asset Skills is piloting a course covering the new role of Energy Adviser.

The course will be launched in January 2011 with 30 learners (who will need to have Domestic Energy Assessor qualifications or equivalent) taking part in a two day seminar at the Genesis centre in Taunton.

The learning will then continue through a mix of online resources, telephone support and continuing face-to-face work over a period of five or six months.

Candidates will gain the skills to provide comprehensive energy advice and will gain a Level 3 award in Home Energy Advice, plus new modules on renewable technologies, the Carbon Reduction Commitment and commercial property at Level 4.

The course content is fully funded. A small charge could apply for college administration fees and learners will have to pay for their own overnight accommodation.

To register interest in the pilot or for more information, contact Philip Stott at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825.

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New qualification in Commercial Energy Advice

Asset Skills is developing a comprehensive qualification in Commercial Energy Advice.

This process includes mapping all the job functions and drafting National Occupational Standards (NOS) on which the qualification will be based.

The qualification (probably at Level 4) will aim to equip learners with the necessary skills to deliver energy advice within the commercial built environment. It will provide a holistic approach to learning, including energy assessment, project-management, implementation of advice, and alternative technologies. It will also cover aspects of the Carbon Reduction Commitment and be tailored to meet the requirements of the government’s Green Deal in due course.

The qualification will offer a modular approach so learners with different experience can “fast-track” to the areas of learning that will be of most use.

Asset Skills welcomes feedback on the development of this qualification and is happy to forward the latest version of the Commercial Energy Advice functional map.

Please contact Philip Stott at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825 if you would like to offer feedback.

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Wales: Home and Commercial Energy Advice

The Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned Asset Skills to pilot Energy Advice qualifications tailored for both domestic and commercial property in Wales.

The project will develop learning programmes that will lead to a full Level 3 award in Home Energy Advice, plus a version of the full Level 4 Commercial Energy Advice qualification.

Learning will start in early 2011.

For more information contact Jan Holdaway at jholdaway@assetskills.org or call 01685 387 914.

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Northern Ireland: Home Energy Advice

Asset Skills is developing a detailed programme of learning to offer the full Level 3 Home Energy Advice qualification in Northern Ireland.

The programme is being run in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College and also includes an additional Level 4 unit on renewable technologies.

This learning will differ from other strands of the low carbon agenda as it will take into account Northern Ireland’s specific requirements in property and housing.

The learning programme will be launched in December and will be free to the first 30 learners to enroll.

For more information contact Adrian Watson at awatson@assetskills.org or call 02894 466 828.

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Low carbon skills in Scotland

Employers in the Scottish built environment can now apply for funding to help train their staff in areas of low carbon.

Employers with fewer than 250 staff can apply for a 50% refund of the staff cost to attend any non-statutory training that will help them meet carbon reduction targets. The money will come from the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Skills Fund and will apply to 25 staff from each employer.

This is particularly important for housing associations, facilities managers and private/commercial property companies. The funding is targeted at the built environment because this area contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

The training will focus on:

- Raising awareness of the role employers play in meeting carbon reduction targets

- The available range of micro-renewable and energy efficient technologies

- The application, management and maintenance of these technologies

- Ways in which employers can engage with their clients and building users, in order to reduce their impact on the environment.

For more information on accessing the Low Carbon Skills Fund, contact Tim Pogson at tpogson@assetskills.org or call 0131 667 2448.





Blog entry edited by an administrator on Tue 2 Nov 2010 at 11:14

Public funding worth more than £1.5 million has been secured by Asset Skills to train more than 800 candidates in new vocational qualifications in facilities management, housing and cleaning.

It follows the approval of two bids from Asset Skills to the Government’s Joint Investment Programme, which is designed to bring together public and private investment to support training and skills development in areas key to economic recovery and future growth.

The project will allow more than 500 candidates to undertake a wide range of new higher level vocational qualifications in business services, including:

• The Facilities Management Apprenticeship Level 3

• The Certificate in FM Level 4 (accredited by the British Institute of Facilities Management)

• The Certificate in Cleaning Supervision Level 3.

Investment in these areas recognises the importance of developing skills in FM and support services to achieve effective and efficient operations.

In housing, it will enable high level skills provision for 330 candidates through take up of the new Housing Higher Apprenticeship.

This new training combines a revamped National Vocational Qualification with a technical certificate from the industry’s professional body, the Chartered Institute of Housing. The funding comes at a crucial time for housing employers, who are increasingly expected to support skills and employment agendas through apprenticeships as a condition of funding from other sources.

Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills, said:

“This is excellent news for industries in our sector. It will provide valuable support through a partnership between employers and government which will have a big impact on raising the skills of the workforce. We look forward to working with the Skills Funding Agency over next 12 months to ensure the successful implementation of this project.”

Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency, said:

“These programmes will benefit from public and private co-investment to promote economic recovery and sustainable growth. They will harness the knowledge and expertise of employers to develop and deliver training that’s tailored to support the skills needs of their sector, including facilities management, housing and cleaning.

“The Joint Investment Programme represents exactly the kind of partnership essential for the future success of the learning sector, meeting business’ need for skills, bringing huge benefits to people, companies and the economy.”

Employers who have committed to training their staff through the Joint Investment Programme will be assisted by the Asset Skills Virtual Academies in Business Services and Housing which offer practical help and support to both employers and training providers.

The total combined value of the two Joint Investment Programme bids amounts to £3,054,062, which includes contributions from both employers and the Government.

For more information please contact the Asset Skills Virtual Academy by email at virtualacademy@assetskills.org or call 0844 822 2525.

The roll out of the new Apprenticeship in Facilities Management, the first of its kind for the industry, is continuing with another event confirmed for employers in the North East on 25 October.

The events are being held to recruit candidates onto the level 3 programme being trialled across England in one of the first projects of the new Asset Skills Virtual Academy for Business Services.

The apprenticeship scheme is also running in London and the South East, the South West, the East of England, North West and Yorkshire & the Humber.

“Our Virtual Academy was set up to help the FM industry in the training of its workforce by simplifying the process for employers and achieving economies of scale,” said Steven Proudfoot, UK Operations Director at Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for FM and cleaning.

“Facilities management and cleaning form a large part of the business services industry, cited by the Government as a key area of future economic growth. The FM Apprenticeship we developed with employers will have a big impact on raising skills in this area. So far, the regional registration sessions have been well attended and we are encouraging FM employers in the North East to come along to the next one in Newcastle.”

The events outline how the new training will benefit the diverse range of staff found in FM, who include facilities managers, building managers, energy managers, buildings maintenance teams, cleaners, security guards, receptionists, caterers, gardeners and hospital porters. The new apprenticeship will also help the sector meet environmental targets through raising the skills needed to achieve low carbon working practices.

The next event will be held at Newcastle College on 25 October.

Employers will be able to:

- learn about the benefits the apprenticeship can offer
- hear about other FM qualifications
- gather details of available funding
- discover additional services the Virtual Academy for Business Services can offer.

To register, please visit www.regonline.co.uk/AcademyEventNewcastle.

If you are not on our apprenticeship email list and would like to be, contact Tom Orton on 0844 822 2525.

Facilities Management employers in the North are being encouraged to attend an apprenticeship recruitment event.

The Asset Skills Virtual Academy for Business Services is hosting the seminar on 21 September to register candidates onto the new Level 3 Apprenticeship in Facilities Management.

Apprenticeships play an essential role in developing the highly skilled workforce needed for long term economic prosperity, a role recognised by government and employers alike.

The event will provide details of the costs and the criteria for funding support, and information about other FM accredited programmes.

There will be an opportunity to network with representatives from the Virtual Academy, professional organisations and awarding bodies.

Date: 21 September 2010

Venue: The Manchester College, Fielden Campus, 141 Barlow Moor Road, West Didsbury, M20 2PQ

Time: 16.15 - 18.00 (Coffee and refreshments available from 16.00, buffet from 17.20)

Agenda:-

Welcome - Riccy Longden, Assistant Principal, The Manchester College

Presentation - Steven Proudfoot, Operations Director, Asset Skills - will outline the Virtual Academy for Business Services

Presentation - Karen Waterlow, FM Specialist, Asset Skills - will outline the new FM Apprenticeship

Presentation - Graham McKendrick, National Apprenticeship Service

Presentation - Riccy Longden, The Manchester College - will outline facilities management training

Tour of Fielden Campus - will include demonstrations of CAD & BICS accredited cleaning programmes.

To register for the Manchester event please visit: http://www.regonline.co.uk/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=888945

For more information, contact Tom Orton at torton@assetskills.org or call the Virtual Academy for Business Services on 0844 822 2525.

If you are not on our apprenticeship email list please let us know on 0844 822 2525 or contact Tom Orton on the details above.

Asset Skills is renewing its call for people with property and planning experience to consider becoming vocational qualifications assessors.

It is part of plans to establish a Virtual Academy for Property Services in September which seeks to offer practical assistance to employers on issues of training.

To ensure the new Virtual Academy for Property Services is a success, we need to find people with the right level of industry experience who can help deliver the new assessment based qualifications.

The new Academy would help deliver a range of new qualifications and apprenticeships, developed by Asset Skills with the industry, as well as achieving economies of scale through employer collaboration.

As part of this, Asset Skills is building a pool of people who can act as vocational qualifications assessors and would like to hear from property professionals with solid experience who are interested.

They will not be employed directly by Asset Skills, but their details will be made available to a limited network of training providers, who will deliver the training as part of the Academy offering.

More information will be available in September.

The assessor pool will be accessed by further education organisations such as awarding bodies, colleges and training providers as they move into the market and seek the know how to support their efforts.

Assessors use their experience and knowledge to deliver programmes that support candidates to meet the industry standard and gather appropriate evidence to gain the qualification.

Assessment work is flexible and would be ideal for someone looking to use their industry knowledge to support learning and development in the sector.

Assessors can combine the role with their existing job or use it as an opportunity for a career change after taking a qualification such as the Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods - known as the A1.

For more information on the assessor qualification, contact the Institute of Assessors and Internal Verifiers www.iavltd.co.uk.

For more information on the Virtual Academy for Property Services, contact Liz Black, Property Specialist at Asset Skills, by emailing lblack@assetskills.org or call 07921 976 815.