Compass employees complete UK's first advanced apprenticeship in facilities management

Compass Group's diversification into associated services has been underlined after 10 of its employees completed the UK's first advanced apprenticeship in facilities management.

The nationally recognised qualification includes a Level 3 NVQ, key skills, technical certificate and classroom-based learning. It was trialled and developed by Compass in conjunction with Asset Skills - the Sector Skills Council for Facilities Management - and the Training and Learning Company.

The apprentices, most of whom are heads of departments in Compass' Eurest Services' multi-service National Grid contract, covered the eight units, including risk management and facilities management (FM) and effective service delivery, in just four months to complete the course.

Karen Waterlow, FM specialist advisor at Asset Skills, said: "This has been an inspirational project in so many ways from the commitment of Compass, to the dedication and hard work of the candidates and the motivational approach of the training provider."

Steve Davies, managing director of Eurest Services' FM division, joined the apprentices as they were presented their certificates at National Grid's headquarters in Warwick. He said that in order to attract the top talent into the FM industry, Compass needs to ensure that there are definable career progression opportunities for ambitious employees.

He added: "FM is a growing industry and we need to have professional, capable and confident leaders of the future who are ready to innovate and manage increasingly complicated multi-service FM contracts. Providing tailored training and development is one of our ways of contributing to the future of the FM industry and ensuring that Compass and Eurest Services are at the forefront of the marketplace."

Following the success of the trial a further 100 employees from across Compass' business have enrolled for the September 2010 intake.

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By Janie Stamford

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