BCIA launches NVQ for controls and building-management systems
The future development of the controls and building-management-systems industry in the UK has received a boost with the completion of the development of an NVQ Level 3 qualification by the Building Controls Industry Association. Ian Ellis, president of the BCIA, says, ‘Building controls play a crucial role in reducing energy waste in buildings, The introduction of an NVQ in BMS means that we can ensure well trained engineers are able to help reduce the carbon footprint of UK buildings.’
Speaking at the formal launch of this NVQ in the House of Commons, Claire Curtis-Thomas, MP, chair of the all-party building-services engineering group, congratulated the BCIA on the development of this NVQ: ‘To provide a qualification of this kind for young people is extremely important, enabling them to put into practice what they already understand to be necessary in the world they are growing up in. In addition, qualifications reduce costs and bad installation, which would be damaging to the industry.’
This new NVQ has been developed with EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) and is recognised by SummitSkills. It is suitable for apprentices and other learners in relevant employment. It is assessed through a portfolio of work-based evidence, with a final competency covering the key safety-critical aspects.’
Doug Robins, immediate past president of the BCIA and head of its education and skills working group, led the development of this NVQ. He says, ‘A nationally recognised programme will allow us to reach far more people and encourage up-and-coming engineers at schools and colleges to consider a career in building controls. With a national qualification comes the recognition and esteem of a professional body of engineers, which will further promote the important role of building controls in all building projects.’
