Different routes into facilities management

Nov 2009

The qualifications route and studying while in the workplace

Laura Wilson-Hutt, 31, is Assistant Facilities Manager at Bupa.

Her first job was in retail management. She was made redundant and took another job in catering management. She eventually moved in to an administrative role in the facilities division of Bupa.

She was seconded to the role of assistant FM to cover maternity leave and ended up staying when the person she was covering didn't return to the post.

Bupa is paying for Laura to study the British Institute of Facilities Management's (BIFM) FM Qualification. There are two parts to this award, which covers 20 key "competencies" including people skills, contracting relationships and finance.

Her current job is in the facilities office at Bupa's Salford Quays site, where 2,000 people are based. She ensures the smooth running of the car park, office moves, catering contracts, the gym and the reception among other things.

"I love this job as it is always different and the people are brilliant," says Laura. "Every day you are involved in different things. It could be the finances or dealing with electrics – you just can't predict what any day will be like – I get such a buzz from it."