Different routes into facilities management

Nov 2009

The NHS facilities manager who learnt on the job

Jason Thomas, 38, is the facilities manager at the Waltham Forest Primary Care NHS Trust.

He has worked in FM for seven years learning all his skills on the job. After university he worked on an Information Technology helpdesk but was made redundant. His next job was in Customer Services which led to his gradual move into an assistant facilities manager role.

He has since worked as facilities manager for the Department for Work and Pensions, the BBC, British Telecom, Wagamamas restaurants and Job Centre Plus.

"The work of a facilities manager is so varied," says Jason. "You are often in charge of the air conditioning, the reception desk, managing cleaning contractors, the electrics, security matters and the mail room as well as the catering and grounds maintenance. You need to be skilled in many different areas and it is a rewarding job."

Because facilities management is a relatively new industry, the formal qualifications route is only just beginning. Asset Skills has worked closely with employers to develop new routes in to FM including the new facilities management apprenticeship launched in 2009. It is hoped a range of new vocational training awards and qualifications will open up this sector to younger recruits.