Trend targets ex-armed forces personnel to join the BEMS sector
Trend targets ex-armed forces personnel to join the BEMS sector
Trend Control Systems, the leading international manufacturer and supplier of state-of-the-art Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), has announced the introduction of a new fast-track training programme for ex-armed forces personnel. Designed to enable them to utilise their existing skills, qualifications and technical expertise within the burgeoning BEMS sector, Trend will match them with vacancies amongst its systems Partners and provide their ongoing training, helping to alleviate the problems caused by the industry’s skills shortage.
Although great strides have been made via various apprenticeship programmes to attract people into the building controls sector, the skills shortage continues to be a major issue. With an aging workforce, it is estimated that more people will leave the sector than enter it over the next few years, meaning that Trend’s systems Partners are finding it increasingly difficult to find personnel to carry out the work that is currently available.
Having analysed where to find those with high-level technical qualifications and transferrable skills, Trend is targeting ex-armed forces personnel. Ian Lewis, training manager at Trend Control Systems, explained, ‘Having enjoyed a 30 year career in the Royal Air Force prior to joining Trend, I’m well aware of the qualities that forces personnel possess and firmly believe that they have all the attributes required to be successful in the BEMS industry. These include excellent technical skills, a mature and disciplined outlook, and a work ethic that is second to none.’
A significant number of armed forces technical personnel have qualifications including City & Guilds 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008 and NVQs in mechanical and electrical (M&E) disciplines. They are also fully conversant with using test equipment and carrying out cabling terminations, as well as being familiar with technology such as programmable logic controllers (PLC).
The new BEMS fast-track training programme offers participants an agenda that maps the skills they already have and identifies any knowledge gaps. An individual training programme is then configured, which is backed-up by a comprehensive support structure and mentoring from Trend’s industry experts. Trend, as part of this service, will match an individual with a suitable vacancy at one of its systems Partners.
This latest initiative follows the success of Trend’s Attitude Apprenticeship scheme – a vocational learning programme where a person is employed and also participates in a structured educational programme that delivers the only nationally recognised award for those wishing to embark on a career in BEMS design, installation and commissioning – the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing BEMS.
‘As part of the defence cuts, many armed forces personnel have unfortunately lost their jobs,’ commented Mike Witchell, regional sales director at Trend Control Systems. ‘We have recognised that these people, and others leaving the armed forces, want careers in exciting industries that offer opportunities and prospects. The BEMS sector ticks all these boxes, which is why our new fast-track training programme is already proving popular by offering a path into the energy management and controls sector that can be completed in a matter of weeks.’
If you would like further information about Trend’s fast-track training programme call 01403 211888 or email forcesjobs@trendcontrols.com
For further information please call Trend Marketing on 01403 211888 or email marketing@trendcontrols.com.
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