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VIVO gains gold at The 5% Club

Gold rating comes just 10 months after joining the ‘earn & learn’ organisation.

Sodexo calls for collaboration on green skills

Service provider advocating for cross-industry collaboration to enable organisations to meet net zero commitments.

Strong demand for retrofit skills programme

4,668 individuals and 1,844 companies have actively engaged in the first year.

Compass extends focus on sustainability training

Recent moves reflect the need to equip job functions in all sectors to support sustainability goals.

First recipients for Deborah Rowland Scholarship named

The scholarship fund is dedicated to finding and supporting new talent in the FM industry.

ISS expands apprenticeships for women

A new suite of apprenticeship schemes is aimed at inspiring, empowering and supporting female leaders across the business.

FM scholarship launches new JustGiving page

The Deborah Rowland Scholarship is a fund dedicated to finding and supporting new talent in the facilities management industry.

Bringing FM and HR closer together

IFMA collaborating on integrated resources to help drive organisational success.

Deadline set for Deborah Rowland Scholarship

The closing date to apply for this new opportunity for FM is 14 September.

Mitie named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer

Recognition for the third year reflecting a comprehensive offering and commitment to building sustainable careers.

OCS scoops adult learning award

FM group presented with the Large Employer Award by West Midlands Adult Learning.

New security apprenticeships at ISS

Launch of a suite of new schemes expands career opportunities.

OCS to increase apprenticeship placements

Pathways in cleaning, catering, security, hospitality and hard services will develop future talent and support career progression.

Deborah Rowland Scholarship launched

The scholarship, created in collaboration with IWFM, aims to bring on the next generation of professionals through financial and mentoring support.

Mitie moves on cleaning apprenticeship

The group has enrolled 20 learners for its new Cleaning Hygiene Operative Level 2 programme.

IWFM Skills Survey online now

All workplace and facilities management professionals are invited to participate.

Opening new doors to recruitment

New campaign aims to make it easier for young people to find out about FM and the career opportunities it offers.

Time to revise the Apprenticeship Levy?

A new report from CIPD suggests the focus should be on provision for under 25s.

Sodexo: inspire, integrate and innovate in FM

To mark World FM Day Sodexo has spoken to four FM colleagues about their journey, experiences, challenges and aspirations.

Bidvest Noonan using VR to on-board staff

More than 1,600 security officers have passed through the VR training programme in phase one.

NIC to deliver apprenticeships in-house

The Department of Education has awarded NIC Group a place on the Apprentice Provider and Assessment Register.

Bellrock partners for unique leadership programme

The partnership with the University of Huddersfield is a first for both.

Equans launches data apprenticeships academy

The new Digital & Energy Services Data Academy aims to enhance data and digital literacy.

Compass opens first Xcelerate training facility

The regional community skills and learning centre is located at Edgbaston Stadium.

New safety course for security and facilities staff

London Fire Brigade has created an online fire safety training package to equip service providers with greater knowledge.

T Levels: fostering talent and bridging skills gaps

Today is T Level Thursday of 2024’s National Apprenticeship Week.

Compass doubles apprenticeship levy gifting 

The UK & Ireland business has supported 250 apprentice programmes across 170 organisations, committing over £3m of its levy.

NG Bailey offering 70 apprenticeship opportunities

The independent engineering and services business aims to kick-start successful careers and nurture fresh talent.

Businesses turn to apprenticeship in face of recruitment issues

Research timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week shows plans to increase the use of apprenticeships to train and to upskill workers. 

NIC Group acquires training provider

Worldweaver Training and Development is now a part of the facilities services group.

Elior UK introduces mixed reality training

The technology enables staff training ‘anytime, anywhere’.

Compass launches new skills and learning hubs

Hubs across the country will provide learning and development opportunities for people within Compass and from local communities.

Sixth year for ABM’s engagement initiative

The Junior Engineering Engagement Programme invites students to explore opportunities within the facilities management sector.

Sodexo taking a lead on skills gap

A roundtable event brought together businesses in the energy sector and prison personnel.

IWFM launches digital learning platform 

The new platform will upgrade the experience of online learners and open new opportunities, the Institute says.

Churchill marks IWFM award win

Its virtual reality training programme came top in the Technology category at the recent IWFM Impact awards.

OCS launches data skills academy

The newly created OCSi Academy is designed to help develop vital skills and support career progression.

SBFM to roll out academies in prisons

The soft services company is set to launch new HMP Academies to support the rehabilitation of prison leavers.

Mitie joins 5% Club

The club is a group of organisations devoted to achieving 5% of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions.

ABM collaborates with Disability Rights UK

The focus is on developing and certifying new induction materials for its Persons with Reduced Mobility team members.

ISS championing workplace sustainability

ISS UK & Ireland has been approved as an official training centre for the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.

Cleaning apprenticeship approved

Proposals for an apprenticeship standard for the cleaning and hygiene industry have been approved.

Compass partners on Birmingham initiative

The services group is joining forces with The Ladder for Greater Birmingham to support and promote apprenticeships.

Building services: taking the message to schools

New initiative in Wales will introduce students to the building services industry with a view to tackling the skills gap.

Compass in £500,000 apprenticeships gift

The funds go to the West Midlands Combined Authority to boost hospitality and professional services apprenticeships for the region.

NatWest partners on retrofit learning

Teaming up with the Supply Chain Sustainability School will provide a free learning platform to build capabilities.

SBFM tackles employment challenge

A new initiative from the soft FM specialist aims to provide sustainable employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups.

BESA backs call on retrofit recruitment

The Building Engineering Services Association has called for a major injection of planning and funding into addressing skill shortages.

Partnership unlocks jobs potential

OCS has teamed up to offer new careers to previously unemployed jobseekers.

SBFM joins government advisory board

Supporting the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, the firm will help prepare, train and advise prison-leavers.

Caterer partners on sustainability workshops

The initiative sees BM Caterers become the first company to pilot a new sustainability awareness educational programme.

Sodexo pledges £100k for training ex-offenders

Funds, available to SMEs and not-for-profits, will come from Sodexo’s annual apprenticeship levy.

Sodexo welcomes interns

Twenty-four interns have been welcomed across the UK business as part of the 10,000 Black Interns Programme.

Arcus opens national training centre

A significant investment in growth, people and the future of facilities management, says the FM company.

Amey unveils new skills programme

The service provider’s Headstart initiative is the UK’s first contractor-led adaptation of the Department for Work and Pensions Kickstart programme.

International Workplace shortlisted for award

The learning specialist, along with its client DPD, has been shortlisted for the prestigious SHE Awards.

SBFM reinforces commitment to employees

The ambitious soft services provider has joined the industry-led young persons recruitment initiative, The 5% Club.

Atlas funds early years apprenticeships

Atlas FM is to fund the training costs of 10 Level 3 Early Years apprenticeships at Bright Horizons Nurseries.

Apprentice Day celebration at Inviron

With over 30 apprentices across its business, the technical FM provider currently offers one of the largest schemes in the industry.

£2m milestone for apprenticeship gifting

Sodexo has now gifted £2m of its apprenticeship levy to support a number of small companies and not-for-profits across the UK.

Apprenticeship levy: still a subject of debate

While many companies have done good things with their levy funds, the programme has been plagued by calls for change.

New early careers hub for Sodexo

Explore at Sodexo on the Youth Employment UK website highlights the opportunities and career pathways available at the company.

SBFM partners to help the unemployed

The initiative will deliver a recruitment support scheme designed to help the long-term unemployed into sustainable employment.

Elior donation to fund training

Elior UK has committed to fully fund five trainees at social enterprise Change Please.

Compass commits £1.6m in levy funding

Compass Group UK & Ireland has committed over £1.6m of its Apprenticeship Levy funds to support over 100 SMEs, charities and social enterprises.

Amey supporting young people into work

The facilities and asset management services provider is launching its own version of the Kickstart programme.

Churchill joins Tent Partnership

The soft services group has joined the Tent Partnership for Refugees network, its second move in supporting refugees.

BaxterStorey: record number of degree apprentices

The UK’s largest hospitality provider has welcomed its largest ever group of degree apprentices.

Sodexo Live! opens apprentice academy

Six new apprentices, aged 16 to 18, have been appointed and undergone their induction to a new apprentice academy.

Wates FM invests at Twycross Zoo

The facilities management provider has introduced a year-long apprenticeship programme at its client site in Leicestershire.

Sodexo on top apprenticeship list

The services group has been named as one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK by the Department for Education.

Vinci Facilities targets retrofit needs

The firm is aiming at the centre of the drive to decarbonise the UK’s built environment with a commitment to training for its staff.

JLL turns to IFMA for FM training

In IFMA’s largest ever training relationship, JLL will make courses available to 1200 US employees.

Elior to gift over £450k in apprentice funds

The contract caterer has committed to donating £480,000 of its apprenticeship levy to fund positions in hospitality, healthcare and education.

Industry warns on net-zero skills

Skills shortages are hampering ambitions to deliver net zero emission buildings.

Mitie passes £1m mark for levy gifting

Mitie will support more than 70 apprenticeships, many of which are new roles and predominantly technical ones.

Social Bite partners with BaxterStorey

The pair have launched a pioneering initiative to help revolutionise the access people who have experienced homelessness have to job opportunities across the UK.

ABM pledges funds for new apprenticeships

The facilities services provider has pledged £192,000 to enable small and medium sized businesses and social enterprises to reskill low paid Londoners.

Compass invests in new industry academy

The group has announced the launch of a multi-million pound flagship training and development hub in West Midlands.

Mitie launches store detective qualification

Independently regulated and Ofqual approved, the Level 3 certification is equivalent to an A Level and has been developed to provide new career opportunities.

ABM relaunches schools programme

The facilities solutions provider has opened year four of its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme following a year-long postponement caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sodexo donates funds to ambulance service

The company has awarded a grant to London Ambulance Service worth £300,000 to fund the training of 10 paramedics and three new emergency ambulance crew.

Sodexo gifts £1m for apprenticeships

The services group is helping small companies and not-for-profit organisations to upskill their workforce by gifting apprenticeship levy funds to support 106 new apprentices.

Corps introduces VR training

Corps Security has partnered with tech company MoonHub to deliver virtual reality training for its security officers at two key London sites.

New IOSH course on health and wellbeing

Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing is a key addition to its course portfolio, says learning solutions provider International Workplace.

Green Task Force secures key certifications

Accreditations for environmental, systems and supply chain management have been won by a charity that re-trains veterans as tree specialists and land-based workers.

Honeywell teams up with Leeds Beckett on custom FM syllabus

Leeds Beckett University has drafted in Honeywell to help provide students at its school of building environment, engineering and commuting with access to industry knowledge and experience.

Cleaning sector urged to back apprenticeship bid

A trailblazer group of organisations in the cleaning and hygiene sector is calling for industry support for an accredited apprenticeship scheme.

Sodexo commits to apprenticeship transfer

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Sodexo will transfer £800,000 of its annual apprenticeship levy to SMEs.

Sodexo targets future engineers

The services group has introduced a technical apprenticeship programme to attract new engineering talent and develop a pool of skilled engineers and future managers.

OCS names training partner

The facilities services group has appointed Qube Learning to support its strategy to upskill, develop and retain staff.

Sodexo IFM academy sees 19 graduates

The group’s Global Integrated Facilities Management Academy has awarded Level 4 diplomas to nineteen managers.

Search on for 2021 Young FM Award winner

The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is looking for the next winner of its annual Young Manager Award, a unique career development opportunity.

Covid-19: Anabas invests in training

The facilities management company has launched The Art of Brilliance training to support its workforce in weathering the Covid-19 storm.

Firms short on green skills

Seven in 10 engineering services businesses say they currently do not have enough competent employees to undertake low to no carbon work.

Arcus FM achieves City & Guilds Assured status

The facilities management company has secured recognition on 15 of its in-house training courses.

Skills consultation launched

The building engineering industry has launched a sector-wide consultation aimed at ensuring the UK has the necessary skillbase for delivering a low carbon economy.

L&D in FM: the impact of Covid-19

What impact has the pandemic had on learning and development in FM? That's the question that learning provider International Workplace is seeking to answer for a key conference this month.

Mitie pilots virtual SIA accreditation

In a first for the sector, Mitie Security has successfully piloted virtual accredited training modules.

Xenon offers help to FMs in need

The training group is offering free qualifications for the unemployed, relaxed payment terms and support from their recruitment division to facilities managers who have fallen victim to the economics of epidemics, Chris Morris writes.

Jenny Mann, FM trainer and advocate

Jenny Mann, joint founder of Quadrilect, one of the first dedicated training providers in the sector, passed away on 5 February.

IFMA 2020 scholarship programme opens

The IFMA Foundation is accepting applications for its 2020 scholarship programme, which is designed to support aspiring and practising facilities managers to pursue higher education.

International Workplace launches new service

The learning provider has launched Workplace DNA, an innovative news-driven digital update service designed to promote continuous learning at work.

IWFM launches degree-level workplace qualification

Sixty learners have enrolled in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management's newly created Level 6 Diploma in Workplace, launching what it calls a ground-breaking qualification.

Pattenmakers deadline looms

The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers' annual Young Manager Award is still open for entries, but only till Monday.

Sodexo takes two at Springboard Awards

Sodexo came top in two categories, Best Apprenticeship Strategy and Springboard Individual Ambassador, at the 2019 Springboard Awards for Excellence.

BaxterStorey unveils degree apprenticeship scheme

The UK's largest independent foodservice provider has partnered with Pearson Business School to launch a new degree apprenticeship scheme.

CBI calls for reform of apprenticeship levy

Urgent steps must be taken by government to reform the apprenticeship levy in England so firms can offer more of the high-quality training they need to succeed.

Compass blazes trail with pledge on social mobility

Compass Group UK & Ireland has become the first big player within the hospitality sector to sign up to the Social Mobility Pledge, underlining its commitment to equal opportunities.

Anabas launches apprenticeship programme

The corporate office FM specialist has unveiled a new apprenticeship programme designed to offer career-building opportunities in facilities management.

Sodexo unveils programme for future leaders

Sodexo's corporate services business has launched a new programme to support and develop the next generation of FM leaders.

School reports: Supply Chain Sustainability School doing well

The industry-backed training and support organisation is reporting positive results on multiple fronts following its latest Impact Survey.

Good mental health: a concern for us all

This is Mental Health Awareness Week, a timely reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and needs to be a concern, and a policy area, for every organisation.

EMCOR UK launches plastics e-learning module

The FM company has become the first service provider to collaborate with the FM Supply Chain Sustainability School to offer a free e-learning module aimed at the sustainable use and management of plastics in businesses across the UK.

ABM starts new J.E.E.P.

ABM UK has kicked off year two of its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme following a successful pilot year with three schools in West London.

IFMA offers scholarship opportunity

The International Facility Management Association has been awarding scholarships to FM professionals for almost two decades. Applications are now open for this year's opportunity.

New accreditation for Cloudfm Academy

City & Guilds has accredited the facilities management company's training centre to deliver qualifications on behalf of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

International Workplace shortlisted for Learning Awards

International Workplace has been named as a finalist at the Learning Awards 2019 in the 'Learning Technologies Award' category, its second major accolade in two months.

Pattenmakers start search for 2019 Young Manager

Livery company the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers has opened nominations for its annual Young Manager Award, looking to find a talented young facilities manager deserving of the unique training and development opportunities the award provides.

BESA welcomes boost for Apprenticeship Levy

The Building Engineering Services Association has welcomed an unexpected improvement to the Apprenticeship Levy announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Cloudfm Academy achieves City & Guilds recognition

The facilities management services provider has recently seen its approach to training reach the next level, with its academy being awarded City & Guilds Approved Centre status.

Trade associations win skills bid

Three trade bodies have joined forces to secure an agreement with the four UK governments to manage and develop apprenticeships, qualifications and National Occupational Standards for the building services engineering sector.

Amey teams up for prison recycling programme

A new partnership is giving offenders an opportunity to develop vital work skills as they recycle television sets from Amey's household waste recycling centres.

UK's first aerial window cleaning academy launches

The new training academy is launched today (6 September) at Her Majesty's Prison & Young Offender Institution Isis, in a move to tackle the ongoing UK skills shortage while helping to reduce reoffending.

Apprenticeship numbers disappoint again

New government figures on apprenticeship starts show a continued fall year on year. The response from industry groups has also remained consistent.

Apprenticeships under-appreciated by the young and their parents

Research commissioned by facilities services provider ABM has found that a worrying number of parents, and even more young people, don't know what an apprenticeship is.

Falling apprenticeship numbers draw concern, again

The latest figures from the Department for Education show that the number of apprenticeship starts has continued to decline, leading to more questions about the effectiveness of the apprenticeship levy programme.

BaxterStorey hails training programme graduates

At an event held in London last week the hospitality services provider celebrated the success of staff completing its Graduate Programme and Advanced Management Programme.

Time running out on apprenticeship levy: CBI

The CBI has responded to publication of the latest apprenticeship start numbers, which have continued to decrease over those seen last year.

Apprenticeship Levy numbers down again

New Department for Education figures show that the number of apprenticeship starts fell by 27% in the first quarter of this academic year compared to last year.

BIFM calls for change

In a press statement, BIFM’s CEO claimed that the circumstances surrounding Carillion’s liquidation should be used as a “catalyst for change”.

Majority of employers want change in the apprenticeship levy

It appears the government's flagship apprenticeship programme is not working. Of employers paying the levy, less than a fifth support the current system.

BIFM calls for action over apprenticeship levy failings

The British Institute of Facilities Management is urging all businesses employing FM staff to lobby for changes to the Apprenticeship Levy, after it was revealed that allocated funding is insufficient to deliver degree-level apprenticeships in FM.

Sodexo partners with Ways into Work

Sodexo has teamed up with the award-winning supported employment community interest company to help improve employment outcomes for young people with disabilities.

ABM launches youth outreach programme

Against a backdrop of recruitment challenges, skills gaps and variable industry promotion, the facilities management company has devised a pilot programme targeting local students.

Apprenticeship numbers fall off post-levy

Department for Education figures indicate a 59% drop in the number of people taking up apprenticeships following the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in April.

BIFM plans workplace leadership programme

The British Institute of Facilities Management has entered into a partnership with 3edges to develop the programme, which will be delivered through the BIFM Academy from the first quarter of 2018.

Agents4RM and BWA in strategic link-up

The two international FM and property consultancy firms have signed a collaboration agreement to pool resources in the UK, Middle East, the Far East and Australasia to work on larger projects together.

Apprenticeship levy missing its target

Research from the British Chambers of Commerce indicates that many UK businesses are still puzzled by the government's key apprenticeship programme six months after its introduction.

IW shortlisted for Learning Technologies Award

The training and consultancy business International Workplace has been confirmed as a finalist at the Learning Technologies Awards 2017 for the latest version of its bestselling online health and safety course.

IFMA launches FM careers website

Under the headline 'a career of choice', WhatisFM.com offers a shop window explicitly aimed at educating visitors on what FM is and does and the opportunities the industry offers.

Wheel of fortune: BIFM unveils professional standards tool

The British Institute of Facilities Management has developed an online interactive FM Professional Standards Wheel that defines the competences necessary to be a proficient facilities management practitioner at all career levels.

Servest launches campaign to develop internal talent

The FM services provider has launched a company-wide learning and development initiative as part of its new Hidden Talent programme.

Standards for higher apprenticeships approved

The standards for two new facilities management apprenticeships developed by employers in collaboration with the British Institute of Facilities Management and other key stakeholders have been approved by the Minister of State for Skills.

Carillion tackles skills gap

The construction to services group has launched a new campaign to improve employability skills and social mobility.

Live and learn

It's Learning at Work Week, the annual event that aims to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of learning and development in the workplace.

IFMA and RICS unveil combined qualifications platform

The collaborating partners are offering a combined suite of credentials and professional qualifications for facilities management in a single online academy.

Apprenticeship Levy: today is day one

From today employers with a wage bill of over £3m per year are liable for payment of the Apprenticeship Levy, the government's new scheme for funding training programmes.

OCS to recruit 900 apprentices with new scheme 

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, OCS has announced that it is launching a new programme in the UK which will aim to recruit up to 900 apprentices in its first year.

Mitie scoops top apprenticeship award

The facilities management company was named 'Macro Employer of the Year' at last week's National Apprenticeship Awards.

Xenon supporting property professionalisation initiative

As part of a drive to increase skills and capabilities within the 2000-member Government Property Profession group, the training services provider has been appointed to deliver accredited facilities management qualifications.

Level 4 apprenticeship views sought

The BIFM is urging stakeholders across the industry to take part in a consultation on a new FM Manager (Level 4) Apprenticeship Standard.

Southend United plans FM academy

Southend United has kicked off a deal with Essex-based employment and skills specialist Seetec that will see talented young people recruited to the club's new Facilities Management Academy.

First class graduates from Sodexo IFM Academy

Sodexo has seen the first five employees graduate from its British Institute of Facilities Management-accredited training programme.

ISS scoops Princess Royal Training Award

ISS is among 34 businesses across the UK recognised for their dedication to training and development, and the only such business in the FM sector.

SummitSkills to close in March

Another of the original government-backed sector skills councils, this one supporting the building services sector, has come to the end of the line.

Consultation open on proposed level 6 apprenticeship

The BIFM reports that it is working with a 'trailblazer' group including employers and higher education institutes to develop a new degree apprenticeship for senior facilities managers.

Bridging the skills gap

One challenge that comes up again and again in discussions about the future of FM is the need to attract good young people into the business.

Learning to work together

Collaboration in government and private sector organisations is increasingly recognised as crucial, but the contract performance consultancy FMP360 believes it also needs to be 'de-mystified' if it is to be truly understood and hence effective.

How not to...: World Workplace update 3

While the final news from last week's event involves the significant achievement of the organisation riling all its 4500 delegates, this is no cliff-hanger: there is a happy ending to a story which mixes ineptitude, misunderstanding and a major mea culpa.

Staying on the right side of the law

The Facilities Management Legal Update course, organised by training, consulting and support group International Workplace, has become a fixture in the FM calendar, running now for over 20 years. This year's takes place later this month.

RICS and IFMA plan unified career map

A unified career map is to be unveiled at this week's World Workplace conference in what the International Facility Management Association describes as a priority joint output of its global collaboration with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

BIFM changes tack on training delivery

The BIFM and Quadrilect Ltd have announced that the current BIFM Training joint agreement will come to an end in September 2017.

NAO questions apprenticeship strategy

The Department for Education, which assumed responsibility for apprenticeships policy at the beginning of the summer, is already being challenged by Parliament's spending watchdog, the National Audit Office.

VSG secures London training deal

Compass Group UK & Ireland's security business has won a one-year contract with the London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime to deliver Project Griffin training.

Government confirms apprenticeship levy plans

Despite various calls for rethinking, the proposed levy will come into force next spring, changing the way the government funds apprenticeships in England.

Sodexo training recognised

Sodexo has become the first FM provider to have its waste management training programme accredited by the industry's leading professional body.

New online qualification in energy management

The Energy Institute, the chartered professional membership body for the global energy sector, now offers an online qualification in energy management.

SummitSkills calls for views on apprenticeships and qualifications

SummitSkills, the standard setting organisation for the building services sector, is running an online survey to gather views from employers in FM and property services.

Majority of employers opposed to or in the dark over levy

The CIPD is warning that the Apprenticeship Levy is a 'blunt instrument' to tackle workplace skills as only 1 in 4 employers currently plan to use levy funding to invest in apprenticeships.

BIFM opens consultation on supervisor apprenticeships

The BIFM is working with an employer trailblazer group to develop a new apprenticeship for FM Supervisors.

BFG apprenticeship programmes live on

SummitSkills has taken over from the collapsed Building Futures Group and will now be managing the certification process for apprentices in the facilities management, cleaning and property industries.

Leesman expands with New York launch

Leesman Index, the world's largest independent measure of workplace effectiveness, now has a permanent base in the US with the opening of an office in New York City.

How to future-proof young FM talent

ISS has been singled out as a leading example of best practice in a new Business in the Community campaign to help companies break down the barriers in their recruitment processes and create accessible jobs for all young people.

Building relationships in FM

FM is often talked about as being a people business. From cleaners to engineers, project managers to apprentices: people make up who we are and without them we simply could not succeed.

BIFM teams up on FM standards in Malaysia

The British Institute of Facilities Management and human capital development solutions provider K-Pintar Sdn Bhd have announced a new government-backed qualification programme to raise standards in facilities management across Malaysia.

Leading practitioners back RICS drive

Four senior facilities management practitioners have backed the call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for more fully qualified people across the industry.

BIFM offers online study option

The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced that its Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications are now available through an online learning and assessment platform, BIFM Direct.

Servest achieves ILM status

The Institute of Leadership & Management, the UK's largest management body, has granted 'centre' status to the Servest Group.

RICS offers FM training opportunities

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched new FM training courses for Winter 2015/Summer 2016.

Employers split over apprenticeships levy

Employers are divided over the government's plans to introduce an apprenticeships levy, with 39% in favour in principle, 31% opposed and a further 30% undecided.

Building a knowledge of FM from the ground up

Sarah Oosthuizen is an international relations and politics graduate, bold enough to leap into the FM training regime at Bouygues Energies & Services.

BIFM strikes mainland Europe qualifications deal

Dutch university NHTV has been confirmed as a recognised centre delivering the BIFM Level 5 Qualification in Facilities Management.

ISS unveils new training and development programme

ISS Facility Services says it has "revolutionised" its approach to training with the introduction of a fully integrated programme, which has gained BIFM endorsement.

Bouygues plants seeds of change

Bouygues Energies & Services has teamed up with Groundwork, an environmental regeneration charity, on an initiative to open up new opportunities in the job market for people experiencing long-term unemployment.

BIFM offering employers online learning packages

FM employers can now purchase a package of licences for the BIFM online learning portal to enable their employees to undertake BIFM Levels 2 and 3 qualifications.

Staff training and business success

One doesn't automatically lead to the other, of course, but a good training and development programme can be critical in building the capacity to meet business growth objectives.

RICS to train IMF FM staff

The International Monetary Fund has signed an agreement that will see the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the US training IMF facilities management staff.

Diary of a Graduate: Chapter IV

Before he finishes the graduate programme at Bouygues Energies & Services, Robbie Kidd reflects on the past two years.

Cleaning specialist launches training services

Cleaning and building maintenance company CAM Specialist Support has launched CAM Training Ltd, a new company focused on delivering a comprehensive range of specialist health and safety training courses.

Government plans apprenticeships protection

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced plans to give the term 'apprenticeship' protection under the law.

RICS launches FM qualifications campaign

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched its Aspire to Lead campaign, focused on career development in facilities management.

BIFM confirms plans for Careers Zone

The Institute says that anyone in FM who is looking for information about CPD, training, management skills or career opportunities will find it at its Facilities Show Careers Zone.

MEFMA and IW team up for H&S training

The Middle East Facility Management Association has announced a new partnership with learning and development specialist International Workplace that will see MEFMA expand its range of courses in the GCC region and beyond.

New guide to BIFM qualifications now available

FM training provider Xenon Group has launched a comprehensive guide to the institute's qualifications.

WSH group unveils Apprentice Academy

BaxterStorey, Holroyd Howe and Caterlink, all part of WSH, have joined forces to launch a new Apprentice Academy, aiming to create more job opportunities for young people in the food and hospitality industry.

Xenon to launch one-day courses

Facilities management training and qualifications provider Xenon Group has announced its intention to launch a series of one-day courses in the north of England.

OCS becomes a BIFM Recognised Centre

The support services group has gained accreditation as a BIFM Recognised Centre, enabling it to self-deliver BIFM qualifications.

ISS launches food & hospitality academy

The ISS Academy of Excellence is a partnership with Leeds City College and will provide a bespoke training programme for students who are passionate about working in the catering and hospitality industry.

Servest launches Future Leader programme

The facilities management provider has unveiled a development programme designed to progress high-performing team members and attract the brightest graduates into the organisation.

Incentive pioneers customer service initiative

Incentive FM has become the UK's first facilities management company to roll out a national initiative that will ensure blind and partially-sighted users can enjoy trips to its shopping centres in safety.

International Workplace plans learning hub

Learning and development specialist International Workplace is to run a Learning Hub alongside next June's Facilities Show.

International Workplace launches 'low-cost' FM training

Learning and development specialist International Workplace, formerly Workplace Law, is to launch a dedicated facilities management training programme to meet the demand for high quality, low cost FM training in UK and international markets.

Vivark invests in the future

Vivark, the FM and social enterprise business, has expanded its team with the appointment of a business development manager and four new apprentices.

BIFM targets young people with careers initiative

The British Institute of Facilities Management has teamed up with Interserve, Vinci Facilities and the careers advice innovators Plotr to help young people discover the opportunities that a career in FM offers.

Cleaning up the cleaning industry

The Equality and Human Rights Commission report on conditions in the UK cleaning industry raised a series of concerns that need to be addressed, both across the industry and contract by contract.

Training pays off at Incentive

Incentive FM is one of the few medium-sized businesses in the sector able to offer a fully self-delivered multi-service solution and often competes against the big players. It sees differentiation as key to its success in this complex market.

Workplace Law offers training matrices

Workplace Law has developed detailed matrices setting out best practice health & safety and environmental competencies for a wide range of roles applicable to any industry.

Why apprenticeship programmes are important

Apprenticeships enable employees, new and existing, young and old, to learn new skills and gain qualifications. That's good for the individual, the employer and the country.

The skills training challenge in FM

Upskilling or reskilling employees is one potential answer to two big issues in the FM industry: the need for more good people and the problem of low pay in some types of jobs. But skills training can be easier to talk about than to deliver.

BIFM recognition for Sodexo training

Sodexo UK and Ireland has been awarded the status of BIFM Recognised Centre for the delivery of FM qualifications in-house as a part of the service provider's Integrated FM Academy.

BIFM recognition for Bouygues

Bouygues Energies & Services has become a BIFM Recognised Centre and now offers the BIFM level 3 qualification in facilities management in-house.

BFG unveils training arm

The Building Futures Group has announced the arrival of Asset Skills Training, a dedicated division of the business that will offer specialist training in FM, cleaning, housing, property, building maintenance and parking.

Bouygues takes action on apprenticeships

Last week, being National Apprenticeship Week, saw Bouygues Energies & Services increase its involvement with employment opportunities for young people by announcing the extension of its programmes into new areas.

BRE launches training academy

The built environment research and consultancy group has launched BRE Academy with the goal of delivering 'world-class' training and education programmes.

PHS in security services first

PHS Group has won accreditation to deliver a bespoke Information Destruction Operations programme from the UK awarding body Skills for Security, becoming the first such recognised centre.

BIFM launches professional standards

The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched new standards documentation designed to define the key functions performed by FMs and the competences required to be a proficient professional.

Servest invests in training for front-line managers

The Servest Group has extended its investment in staff development by introducing a leadership programme for key front-line managers.

Servest secures training grant

Facilities management service provider Servest Group has obtained a substantial grant from its training partner, The Sarina Russo Group, a government-funded training provider of employment skills.

Integral launches work placement scheme

Integral UK has launched a new partnership with an Armed Forces charity to provide work placements for service personnel who are preparing to leave the Army, Navy or Air Force and pursue a new career.

Interserve builds on training commitment

The first facilities management employer to become an accredited centre for the BIFM Level 3 qualification has now teamed up with training provider Xenon to deliver the BIFM Level 4.

Interserve backs education report

The support services to construction group sponsored the study which is the result of a cross-party inquiry by the Skills Commission into how the education system meets the needs of the workplace.

JLL becomes BIFM training centre

Jones Lang LaSalle has become the first property and asset management firm to be named a BIFM Recognised Centre.

BIFM pressing for Level 3 recognition

The British Institute of Facilities Management has submitted an application to the Department of Education, supported by leading FM employers, for its Level 3 Diploma to be included in the 2016 Key Stage 4 Performance Tables.

Leeds boasts top apprentices

Two higher apprentices from Leeds College of Building have been named the best in their field, having won first and second place in a competition judged by the British Institute of Facilities Management.

BIFM in SE Asia move

The British Institute of Facilities Management is now collaborating with a university in Malaysia to deliver its FM qualifications suite.

MITIE first with IOSH endorsement

The outsourcing company has become the first FM business to achieve accreditation for its own management training course from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Norland offers trainee accountant scheme

The hard services-led FM provider has launched a graduate trainee accountant scheme to help support continued growth.

FMA sees first certificates awarded

Fifteen candidates have passed the Facilities Management Association Certificate Course, the association reports.

HSS Hire launches purpose-built academy

The national supplier of tool and equipment hire and outsourcing services this week opens a new multimillion-pound, purpose-built training facility in Reading.

Cleaning up cleaning's image

Gone are the days of the old mop & bucket cleaner. Now your contractor's staff are likely to be continuously trained and in pursuit of any one of a vast number of specialist qualifications.

Interserve brings learning to Leicester

The support services and construction group has joined forces with Leicester College to provide learning opportunities for staff working in the hospitals and NHS estate in Leicestershire.

FM sector pledges work opportunities

The facilities management sector has pledged 10,020 apprenticeships and 11,192 Work Inspiration placements by 2015 to help tackle youth unemployment in the UK.

Qualifications vs experience

Which is more important in building a career in FM is a debate that must be about as old as the discipline itself.

MITIE in security industry first

The outsourcing group has launched the security sector's first full-time apprenticeship scheme.

WRAP unveils waste training

The resource action group has launched a series of sustainable procurement e-learning modules.

SHU launches FM education survey

Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Facilities Management Development has launched a research study looking at the current education landscape in FM.

Interserve gains BIFM recognition

Interserve has become the first FM services employer to become a BIFM Recognised Centre delivering the BIFM qualifications in facilities management.

ISS backs Barclays scheme

ISS UK has signed up to support LifeSkills, a new programme launched by Barclays for business, schools and government to work together to remove the barriers young people face in moving from school to work.

Finding the right qualification

Anyone interested in gaining qualifications in FM has a wide range of choice, but couldn't be blamed for finding it all a bit confusing.

PHS launches in-house academy

The workplace services group has launched the PHS Academy, aiming to give its training and development function wider scope as well as more impact on the business.

Making a case for young people in FM

The NEET generation, young people not in employment, education or training, is a terrible waste; but also potentially a great resource pool for FM.

Course targets waste and resources skills

A newly launched course will help businesses across the UK to cut their waste costs, comply with all relevant legislation and become more resource efficient, says the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

BSIA acquires industry skills body

Skills for Security, the not for profit sector skills body, has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Security Industry Association following approval by board members of both organisations.

CH&Co commits to £2m training plan

The catering group plans to invest £2 million over the next five years to accelerate and enhance its staff training plans.

FMA opens door to RICS membership

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has confirmed that holders of the FMA Certificate will now qualify for AssocRICS membership.

Shepherd launches graduate programme

Shepherd FM has introduced a graduate programme with the unique feature of allowing successful applicants to join the scheme throughout the year.

BIFM adds Level 3 qualifications

The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched new Level 3 qualifications, completing its training suite.

Xenon launches BIFM Level 3 programme

Following the introduction of the new BIFM Level 3 qualifications, accredited tuition provider Xenon Group says it is ready to deliver the programme in workshop, blended learning and distance learning formats.

Low cost training for the cleaning industry

Jangro, the UK's largest network of independent janitorial and flooring product suppliers, has broken new ground with the launch of inexpensive training programmes.

ISS teams up with Jobcentre Plus

The service provider's apprenticeship team has launched a programme designed to help young people aged between 18 and 24 into work.

Safe choice for Xenon

The FM training provider has added the IOSH Managing Safely course to its portfolio, widely regarded as a basic requirement for all facilities managers.

ISS unveils student competition

ISS Sweden has launched a competition for students at Swedish universities, offering scholarships in return for new ideas in FM.

More FM apprenticeships launched

New apprenticeships have been launched at both entry and mid levels in a move to help strengthen the facilities management workforce.

FMA MBA signs first student

Sallyanne Karassek, Project Manager for Vinci Facilities, is the first candidate to sign up for the newly launched MBA programme organised through the Facilities Management Association.

New apprenticeships launched

BIFM and an Asset Skills-led partnership have launched higher level apprenticeships at levels 4 and 5 in facilities management.

FMA launches MBA opportunity

The Facilities Management Association has launched an MBA programme in association with Sheffield Hallam University designed to provide experienced FMs with a route to a top-level degree.

Apprenticeship opportunity extended

The limited-time-only access to funded apprenticeships in facilities management and cleaning has been extended by a month.

Practical approach to best practice

New research has found that young architects develop the best understanding of health and safety through detailed application rather than abstract study. There are lessons here for all professions.

ISS launches training white paper

A new white paper from the facilities services provider argues that detailed and effective training is the key to delivering high quality customer service.

Free apprenticeships on offer

Asset Skills is offering free apprenticeship places in facilities management and cleaning, but only in England and only for a limited time.

Formal launch for national cleaning academy

Westminster Kingsway College has launched new training facilities for the National Cleaning Academy in central London with the backing of service provider Not Just Cleaning.

Graduation day at Xenon

BIFM-recognised training centre Xenon Group organised its first graduation ceremony last week for Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 students.

Auditor course recognition for Interserve

Interserve has become the first facilities management company to have its own internal auditor course recognised by the Chartered Quality Institute.

BIFM climbs to Level 7

The Institute is set to launch a Level 7 Certificate and Diploma in Facilities Management which, in conjunction with Liverpool John Moores University, will lead to an MSc in Applied Facilities Management.

BIFM confirms apprenticeships role

The British Institute of Facilities Management is backing the Asset Skills-led project to develop degree level apprenticeships in FM.

ISS invests in SHU degree programme

In partnership with the Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University, ISS has launched its Foundation Degree in Facilities Management with an investment of £250,000 over the next two years.

Degree-level apprenticeships for FM

Asset Skills has started work on apprenticeships in FM up to levels 4, 5 and 6 after securing more than £1m in support from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund.

Asset Skills secures £5m for training

The sector skills council says the additional funds will support skills training across its remit in facilities management, housing, property, planning, cleaning and parking.

£1m boost for Green Deal training

The government has announced that funding is to be made available to Asset Skills to deliver training for up to 1000 Green Deal advisors ahead of the programme launch.

Develop lands £1m H&S training deal

Technical skills training provider Develop has been appointed by infrastructure services group Enterprise on a three-year deal which equates to about 30,000 training days in all.

Asset Skills looks for employer input on training

FM's sector skills council is calling on employers to suggest the types of skills training they think could be improved with money from a new £250m fund unveiled last week by the Prime Minister.

BCO launches specifications course

The British Council for Offices, in conjunction with the College of Estate Management, has developed an interactive online accreditation course based on the latest edition of the BCO Guide to Specification.

Kier launches 2nd degree programme

The building to support services group reports that 17 employees started the Kier Foundation Degree in Integrated Maintenance and Facilities Services in January.

EMCOR launches graduate scheme

EMCOR has taken a pioneering step with its first move to offer a programme specifically to train graduates in its facilities management business.

Barker launches Skills Alliance

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker has thrown his weight behind a new partnership to ensure the UK has the right skills to implement the Green Deal, the government's flagship policy to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Initial success on apprenticeship

Twenty-one Initial Facilities cleaning employees working on a London Underground contract have completed a Government-funded apprenticeship programme.

Asset Skills secures new funding

More than £2m will be spent on projects to drive employer investment in skills across the Asset Skills industry portfolio.

Workplace Law scoops e-learning award

Workplace Law has been recognised for outstanding training courses, taking Silver in this year's E-Learning Age Awards.

Europa launches leadership programme

The property and support services company says its recently developed talent programme is designed to make a difference to its clients and its people.

Xenon backing Workplace Week

The facilities management training provider has thrown its weight behind the Children in Need initiative by offering one of their distance learning courses for auction.

Xenon delivers first advanced FM diplomas

BIFM-recognised training centre Xenon Group has confirmed that three students have become the first in the UK to successfully complete advanced FM diplomas.

MITIE in Cranfield development initiative

MITIE has teamed up with Cranfield School of Management to launch an Executive Development Programme for an initial group of 24 senior managers.

FSG and British Waterways team up on H&S

The Facilities Services Group and its client British Waterways have developed a joint online programme providing a consistent approach to the delivery of health and safety training.

NJC backs national cleaning academy

Service provider Not Just Cleaning has teamed up with London's Westminster Kingsway College to launch a new National Cleaning Academy to provide training and development for businesses and employees.

MITIE unveils diploma programme

MITIE's security business has launched a unique Middlesex University accredited diploma in total security management for its own management team.

Asset Skills looking at new apprenticeships

FM’s sector skills council is considering making a bid to develop new Higher Apprenticeships in Facilities Management depending on the scale of employer support that can be identified.

Innovise customer service webinar: Monday

FM software specialist Innovise will be holding a 10-minute webinar focusing on improving customer service on Monday, 15 August at 2.00pm.

UKGBC to take on sustainability training

The UK Green Building Council has launched a new Task Group that will help scope and develop a Sustainability Lifelong Learning Framework for the built environment sector.

FM Guru buys Asset Faculty

The jv training and development business, set up in 2008, has been acquired by FM Guru's parent company, Denton Business Services.

Say it like you mean it

Team presentations, sales pitches, conference platforms. A nightmare for many FMs because communications skills are unlikely to have been a big part of whatever formal training they've had.

Ofsted nod for Interserve

The support services and construction group has been awarded a Grade 2 rating by Ofsted for its provision of education services.

What is the qualifications debate about?

Leaving aside the eternal question 'what is FM', the issues surrounding qualifications must be the most discussed subject in the industry, certainly over the past year.

High demand for low carbon training

Asset Skills reports that demand for its programme of subsidised low carbon training is so great that it is adding new dates.

Xenon opens in London

FM training, recruitment and consultancy group Xenon has launched the first of their BIFM-accredited courses just two weeks after officially opening their new London operation.

Weak management holding hospitality sector back

Spare a thought for our colleagues in the catering and hospitality industry where poor management and communication skills appear to be contributing to high staff turnover, low retention, poor customer service and reduced productivity.

Asset Skills offers funded training places

FM's sector skills council is offering a number of places on a range of facilities management qualifications with 50% funding from the Skills Funding Agency.

IFMA set to launch sustainability credential

The International Facility Management Association is on the brink of adding a third strand to its credentials suite.

Employers see value in apprentices

After Business Secretary Vince Cable announced recently that the Government plans to increase the annual funding of apprenticeships to £1.4bn, a survey has indicated that employers find apprentices worth more to their businesses than university graduates.

Level 3 needs help

After months of trying, we have managed to get hold of performance figures for the Level 3 in FM qualification. After a reasonably strong start, the programme looks like it might just fizzle out.


Features - Search found 29 features

Evolving a better solution

Recruitment is on every FM’s problem list, especially if you are a supplier of labour-intensive soft services.

Unlocking hidden talents through apprenticeships

Facilities management is facing a significant skills shortage. That’s not news: industry bodies have warned of a ‘demographic timebomb’ for years. Apprentice Simon Delmo reflects on the challenge.

Invest in your people: an answer to the training conundrum

It's an old saying but it still rings true: "your most important assets leave your organisation every day".

Plugging the skills gap

Why does the UK continue to suffer from a short supply of engineering talent? Why is the gap getting bigger despite efforts to put an end to the problem? And where can FM help?

International FM: the Sri Lankan experience

The future of facilities management in Sri Lanka could be shaped by Chinese investment, Sienna Emanuel reports

Apprenticeship perceptions are creating a skills gap

According to the Department for Education, apprenticeship figures have been decreasing in 2018. At the same time, perceptions of this career path continue to be debated and discussed. 

Bridging the skills gap

As National Apprenticeship Week 2018 draws to a close, we talked to Andy Donnell, Group Managing Director at ABM UK, about where policy on apprentices may be going wrong and why it's worth getting it right.

FM's professional bodies: where next?

Do the actions and objectives of the facilities management bodies align with where the industry is heading? Simon Iatrou talked with three professionals from different parts of the FM sector.

The graduates

Simon Iatrou explores how one service provider's graduate training scheme is helping young people fulfil their potential in the built environment.   

Natural Progression

With the evolution of technology, today's facilities managers must focus on learning the skills they will need to stay relevant in the 21st century. Frank Logan examines how the sector continues to evolve.

Jumping in the Deep End

In the first entry of a new graduate series from Bouygues Energies & Services, Sarah Oosthuizen explains why she is thriving in an unfamiliar facilities management environment.

The Secrets of Successful Recruitment and Training

Despite businesses investing significantly in leadership and development courses, a recent poll by research firm Gallup revealed that only a third of employees based in the UK are satisfied in their jobs.

Standards, and opportunities, in the cleaning industry

Training and career development are crucial in any professional company or organisation that seeks to progress within its industry sector. And that is certainly true in cleaning, as Daniella Paolozzi explains.

Career Building Strategies

Peter Forshaw explores the case for training and qualifications in the context of job finding and career building within the FM industry.

The Real Value of Qualifications

Since 2010, qualifications in facilities management have been a hot topic. Visit any FM event and you’ll be lucky to get away without hearing someone talking about FM qualifications.

It's All in the Training

John Lambert discusses the importance of training and what aspects need to be considered to ensure a thorough programme is in place.

Training is a Core Business Function

In tough financial times, it is expected that most organisations will make cutbacks in order to become more sustainable.

BIFM: Professionalising FM

Talk to any accountant, doctor or lawyer and you will find that qualifications formed an integral part of the early stage of their careers, and continuing professional development has been a constant throughout.

Can Qualifications Help?

Qualifications in facilities management have taken great strides over the past few years. There is now more choice than ever.

Level 3: Questions Linger

We've learned something recently: the newcomer venturing into the realm of FM qualifications delivery needs to be prepared to meet a baffling mix of jargon, confusion, delay and obstruction.

Making FM a First-Choice Career

New FM qualifications will be an important factor in making facilities management a recognisable, and desirable, career.

Risk Assessment Risk

Health and safety has been in the spotlight again, with the Government looking at regulations and policies.

Turning FM into a Career

Asset Skills believes that career pathways supported by qualifications are critical to raising the profile of the industry.

Learning Opportunities

Long awaited change to the education and training structure for FM is coming into force. Gavin Horrocks explains.

Towards the Strategic High Ground

Toby Jenkinson talks to Professor If Price of Sheffield Hallam University about the future of FM and the role of higher education in opening doors.

Plugging the Gap between Need and Solution

Richard Brunning writes: Training is really pretty simple: you find a trainer, explain what is needed, let them chat to the line managers, create and deliver the training, sheep dip the staff through it, pay the bill - job done. No problem.

The Trouble with Training in Our Industry

Patrick Jongbloet argues that it's time for a fundamental rethink of FM training. Why aren't the programmes on offer better tailored to needs? And why aren't FM professionals taking more of an interest?

Training and Development Issues for FM

Jane Wiggins argues that training and development in the facilities management sector are at a critical turning point.

Are We Facing an FM Brain-Drain?

Richard Elvidge reports on the current state of staff recruitment and retention in facilities management.


Comments - Search found 20 comments

Earn and learn: apprenticeships in FM

The trend is up, with more people looking to ‘earn while they learn’ and more organisations putting apprenticeship schemes in place.

Developing skills for life through an apprenticeship 

I’m in a unique position. An apprentice at Integral, I also help run the learning & development programmes that Integral apprentices go through.

Is this the end of the corporate reception area?

Workplace culture has emerged as a key factor as companies navigate their strategies and try to ensure that their employees are happy and productive in the office.

Making engineering an attractive proposition

The UK engineering sector is revered around the world, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s exploits during the Industrial Revolution to today’s state-of-the-art aerospace sector.

Consciously tackling unconscious bias

Unconscious bias has been common parlance in the business world for some years, and it continues to be one of the most important issues for business to recognise and manage.

FM has an image problem

And that is what's stopping our future talent from joining what one student called a 'hidden industry'. Sienna Emanuel asked a group of students what we need to do.

Closing the gender gap in engineering

Engineers are everywhere: from creating new cars to designing prosthetic limbs, and of course throughout FM. But the industry is currently facing a challenging skills shortage.

Low cost improvements for workplace productivity

The Stoddard Review argued that an effective workplace can improve business productivity by as much as 3.5%, potentially contributing billions to the UK economy. But this largely depends on employees being able to work more productively.

The Apprenticeship Levy: challenge or opportunity?

Today, the UK's first ever Apprenticeship Levy officially comes into force, meaning 22,000 businesses will be liable to pay 0.5% of their annual wage bill into the fund. Andy Donnell offers a view of what this means.

The importance of apprenticeships

This year's National Apprenticeship Week reiterated the importance of such schemes for young people’s employment prospects and as one solution to the skills gap. The FM sector has certainly benefited from the new talent, but we cannot become complacent.

Shortening the skills gap

Training and on-the-job experience is essential in helping people to stay in work and crucial to improving their chances for career progression.

Stepping up our game

With over a million young people not in employment, education or training, there is no doubt this issue needs to be addressed urgently; and FM is part of the answer.

Backing Rising FMs

With unemployment rising and more poor news from the economy, the facilities management industry recently fought back with the first FM careers event.

What is Education For?

As the debate about industry qualifications rumbles along, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern what it is we are arguing about.

What Price Mental Health?

MITIE's decision to offer its staff access to mental health training demonstrates a genuine commitment to their well-being and continued development.

Qualifications for a Changed World of Work

Dave Wilson's recent Comment piece makes some general points about FM qualifications and levels some specific accusations at the BIFM that deserve a response.

Choose Your Credentials Well

What do FMs want from training and what do they need from qualifications?

Where is the professional development within FM?

New research into a question that has been on people’s minds in this industry for years shows there is still much work to be done.

The Fog of FM Qualifications

The Noughties are over and it's time for all in the FM sector to look forward to the future with new and improved optimism.

Choosing to Succeed

FMs have tended to come to the industry by accident or as a second career. It's time for that to change.