Group Horizon launches Experienced Worker Assessment for ECS Building Controls Gold card
Group Horizon, a specialist training provider, has announced the launch of the BEMS Controls Engineer Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA), which will enable experienced professionals in the building controls sector to obtain an ECS Gold card upon completion.
The development of the BEMS Controls Engineer EWA follows on from the BEMS apprenticeship standard and the launch of a series of Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cards for the building controls sector (in October 2023). Feedback and support from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), employers, training providers and other industry representatives contributed to the work on this occupational qualification.
The EWA programme aims to assess and validate the skills and knowledge of workers who did not have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship or regulated training route but have gained significant experience in the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) field. It offers a time and cost effective way of assessing skilled professionals to the same nationally recognised standard as those completing a BEMS apprenticeship, without the need for them to return to college.
Delegates who successfully complete the assessment process gain an industry recognised certification which meets the requirements for an ECS Gold card application.
Andy Reakes, Director of Growth and Development at ECS, commented: “A number of different Experienced Worker Assessment routes have been developed in recent years and we are delighted this one has arrived for a sector that will play a crucial role in the safe and professional construction of the buildings of tomorrow.”
BCIA President Stacey Lucas added: “The BEMS Experienced Worker Assessment programme is a superb initiative and the BCIA is proud to have invested in such a valuable and successful programme.”
Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, said: “The BEMS Controls Engineer Experienced Worker Assessment is a crucial development for the building controls sector which will enable professional engineers to prove their competence, built over years working in the industry. Due to the huge importance of industry standards and building safety it was vital to get the details of this EWA right and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to its development.”
