New programme launched to tackle shortage of building services trainers

A significant initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of trainers and assessors within the building services sector has been launched by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). This initiative, named the Skills Legacy programme, has gained substantial financial support from the Manly Trust, aiming to recruit 100 trainers, assessors, and building safety auditors throughout the UK.

The need for such a programme has been underscored by the increasing scrutiny of safety processes in the building services industry, particularly in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. BESA has highlighted that the shortage of experienced trainers and assessors could impede the industry's ability to train and assess new entrants, ultimately posing a threat to safety standards in the sector.

The Manly Trust, established in 1991 by Graham Manly, a prominent figure in the engineering community and former president of both BESA and CIBSE, has committed to fully fund the first 50 candidates who successfully complete the necessary assessment process. Graham Manly created the Trust in memory of his father, Alfred Manly, with a mission to support young people pursuing opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and to advance engineering education. Since its inception, the Trust has distributed over £1.8 million to more than 130 charities and causes.

Stuart Rattray, BESA’s head of skills and policy, referred to the initiative as a "game changing development" that addresses a substantial barrier to recruiting the next generation of engineers. He stated that "this generous funding from the Manly Trust could have a huge impact on the future of our industry,” emphasising the critical nature of filling the skills gap that currently exists.

The Skills Legacy programme aims to attract individuals with a wealth of engineering experience, encouraging them to contribute to the further education sector to meet the rising demands from employers. The programme also seeks to recruit building safety auditors to ensure compliance with the new competence requirements introduced by the Building Safety Act.

The Manly Trust has an extensive background in supporting engineering education and career development initiatives. Graham Manly, who became managing director of A G Manly & Company after joining the family business in 1972, was known for championing educational causes that support young engineers. His son, David Manly, a trustee of the Trust, highlighted that the initiative aligns closely with his father's vision of developing future generations of building services engineers.

BESA emphasised that the Skills Legacy programme would provide further education colleges and training providers greater assurance that building engineering training courses would receive the necessary support. There has been a recognised risk regarding the availability of appropriately qualified instructors, which is frequently seen as a barrier to training capacity in the sector.

Rattray further commented on the precarious nature of the current workforce, indicating that "the average age across construction-related sectors is 53," suggesting that the urgency to attract younger talent is paramount. He asserted that without a significant increase in the influx of young professionals, a "labour force crunch" is imminent.

The nationwide programme will create pathways for individuals with relevant skills to become qualified trainers and assessors, offering a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) qualification. Prospective building safety auditors will also undergo assessments in accordance with the ISO 9001 management standard.

Training will be delivered through a hybrid model that integrates remote learning with in-person interactions, catering to the needs of those involved. Plans for an assessor register and recognition initiatives for graduates of the programme are also under development, aiming to celebrate their contributions as they take on essential roles in shaping the future workforce.