Facilities Management case study

Alex Maitland, 36, Executive Chef Manager, Eurest Services

Eurest Services provides facilities management (FM) services to an international utilities company for which Alex is the Executive Chef Manager at their London offices. As well as looking after the catering and hospitality, he helps manage the support services side such as the cleaning; porterage; reception; switchboard; security; office supplies and support; post and deliveries; audio visual support and pest control.

A number of Compass managers have recently completed the Facilities Management Advanced Apprenticeship, and more are about to begin. This follows increased demand from clients for a range of bundled support services. Alex chose it to further his career in service management and completed in four months.

"FM seemed an obvious next step for me. Lots of people are moving into it as companies try to streamline their services and bring them under one provider. As the first employer to offer the FM Apprenticeship, Compass now has managers with qualifications and training that other companies don't have."

The Apprenticeship was carried out in the workplace while Alex continued his day job. What he learned has helped him cope with his job in a more efficient and methodical manner.

"Everything I've been taught I've been able to put into practice in my job. I drew a great deal from the
theoretical side of FM such as how to integrate and implement services and best identify client needs. I was also taught about contractual elements like service level agreements, budgeting, finance and key performance indicators.

"I held a presentation for our company directors about the Apprenticeship. I was nervous but it went well. I think shows how much importance Compass is placing on the FM Apprenticeship and how it recognises the business benefits of having a highly skilled set of facilities managers in such a competitive industry."