Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Importance Of Apprenticeship Programmes

Our industry has an ageing workforce: the number of employees above 60 is increasing more than any other age group and the biggest reduction is in the total of workers under 30.
According to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) ‘this will have a serious effect on the industry, as essential skills will be lost when employees retire.
This is exacerbated by the fact that the number of new recruits is declining and there will be nobody available to replace those retiring.’ Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in helping close the building services skills gap and we all have a role to play to support our industry and the future skills we desperately need.

One of the UK's leading M&E engineering companies, SES Engineering Services (SES) are a leading light for apprenticeships. They currently have 98, ranging from Level 3 to Level 7 and have already pledged to add to that number later in the year:

"SES recognise that people are the lifeline of our industry and with industry growth must come more investment in the future workforce.

Employing apprentices helps us to develop skills relevant to our organisation, helps us grow our own future talent pipeline and ensures we have a skilled and qualified workforce.

We recommend anyone working within the built environment to take on apprentices! It’s so important that we ensure young people coming into our industry are receiving the correct training that aligns with the business, also helping create our future leaders!"

Steve Joyce | Regional Managing Director | SES North

BESA Future Skills Pledge

To tackle the skills gap issue head-on, we are looking for employers who are willing to pledge to take on one or more apprentices to help their business develop a workforce with the right skills for the future and help close the skills gap we currently face.

After last year’s success, we are running this campaign again in 2024. We hope that the 60+ businesses that took the pledge in 2023 will do so again and that we can encourage more and more companies to take the pledge this year.

By taking the pledge today you will be starting the process early to ensure you find the right fit for your business, you will be committing to expanding or upskilling your workforce and showing your commitment to bringing new talent into the sector.

Companies That Have Pledged For 2024

We acknowledge that this is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Other benefits of working with apprentices include; you can adapt their training according to the needs of your business and they're motivated to learn new skills. An apprenticeship can lead to a high level professional career.

Vicki Moreton | Operations Director | Bry-Kol Building Services

Apprenticeships are the future lifeline of our industry, as they allow us to pass on our expertise and knowledge to the next generation of engineers. They also offer a clear career pathway and a recognised qualification for our apprentices, who can learn on the job while earning a salary.

David Haggett | Head of Refrigeration | Iceland Refrigeration

Apprentices are proving to be the future of our company, enabling our engineering team to be youthful, knowledgeable and a perfect fit for our roles. They learn the skills we need to ensure the quality of service demanded of us is achieved and do it with a smile!

David Smith | Technical and Sustainability Manager | KCE FM Ltd

Currently 80% of our management team started work at apprentices with our company and having recruited four school leavers last summer we currently employ seven trainees studying NVQ L3 in refrigeration & air conditioning.

Mark Gledhill | MD | Crowther & Shaw Ltd

We are in the process of expanding our refrigeration service and maintenance part of our business. We know for a fact there will be lots of faults diagnosed, for which a basic fundamental understanding of the process of refrigeration is a prerequisite.

Allan Hosten | Technical Director | Sonic Frost Ltd

I have signed the pledge as apprenticeships are an important way to encourage future generations to take on skilled roles with on-the-tools experience, helping close the skill shortage gap the industry is currently facing.

Reece Brumby | Director | Optimum Temperature Solutions

We have signed the pledge because we are very committed to developing a workforce with the required skills and experience. We want to ensure that we future proof our business and deliver the right level of training and support to produce the next generation of highly skilled refrigeration engineers.

Stephanie Pinner | Learning & Development Co-ordinator | J & E Hall

Apprenticeship schemes are so valuable to any business, supporting and developing new people into the industry with real-world experience and learning opportunities ensuring the right skills are embedded into businesses early on. It is important to recognise that we must invest in our future workforce and future leaders in our industry.

Becki Taylor | Operational Efficiency Director | Skanska

QVAC is committed to shaping the future of the HVAC industry through innovation and excellence. By signing the BESA Future Skills Pledge this year, we're investing in the next generation of talent, ensuring they're equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of our sector

CONNOR QUINN | MANAGING DIRECTOR | QVAC LTD

We are very short of engineers and with all the new refrigerants now coming into the industry we need to make sure these personnel are up-to-date with new technologies ready for the future.

Wayne Raven | Director | Just Air Conditioning

"Iceland Refrigeration is a leading provider of refrigeration services in the UK. We have been in the business for over 20 years, and we pride ourselves on our high-quality products and services. To maintain our competitive edge and ensure our future sustainability, we invest in the training and development of our workforce, especially our apprentices.

One of our successful apprentices is Evan, who is currently in his 3rd year of working out of Edinburgh. Evan joined us in 2021. He has shown great enthusiasm, dedication, and potential in his role, and he has learned a lot from his mentors and colleagues. He has also impressed us with his communication, teamwork, and customer service skills, which are essential for building trust and rapport with our stores and colleagues.

Evan's apprenticeship has given him the opportunity to work on various projects, from installation and maintenance, to troubleshooting and problem-solving. He has gained hands-on experience with different types of refrigeration systems, and he has also developed his theoretical knowledge through his college coursework and assessments. He has received constant feedback and guidance from his supervisors, who have helped him improve his performance and confidence.

Evan is a great example of how apprenticeships can benefit both our company and our employees. He has demonstrated his value and potential, and he has also enjoyed his learning journey. He is looking forward to completing his apprenticeship and becoming a fully qualified engineer with Iceland Refrigeration. We are proud of his accomplishments, and we are happy to have him as part of our team."

David Haggett | Head of Refrigeration | Iceland Refrigeration

"My BSE apprenticeship allows me to work and learn simultaneously. It presents tasks and challenges you could never find in a classroom such as fixing breakdown faults and arrange for replacement equipment and check and maintain instruments and machinery.

The people around me has numerous experience increases my knowledge. The apprenticeship gives me an insight into the world of work and what I can achieve and allows opportunities to progress whilst gaining recognised qualification.

I recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone, the experience you gain is invaluable."

Shakira Green | Building Services Maintenance Engineer | Dalkia

Interested In Becoming An Apprentice?

Have you been inspired by our testimonials and you would like to know more about apprenticeships in the United Kingdom? Follow these links below to find the right fit for you:

- Apprenticeships In England

- Apprenticeships in Wales

- Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland

- Apprenticeships in Scotland

Or If you would prefer to talk to someone about apprenticeships in building services engineering and discuss the options available to you, get in touch with our Skills Advisory Service today.

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