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Facilities management - level 3 apprenticeship framework

This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three facilities management. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 3 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the facilities management sector.

If you successfully complete the apprenticeship you'll gain a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the industry.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in facilities management will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

  • application of number – level 2
  • communication – level 2
  • information and communication technology – level 2

Any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

Apprentices need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification, chosen from the lists below.

Competence-based qualification:

  • ETCAL Level 3 Diploma in Facilities Management 603/7755/0

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems 600/4282/5
  • EAL Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems 600/0665/1

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.

Employers may apply their own criteria at the recruitment stage.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 framework in facilities services.

You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you've:

  • already gained significant work experience in your occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 facilities services framework and can show you can achieve a level 3 standard
  • previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 apprenticeshipsni facilities services framework

See also the DfE operational requirements. 

Duration      

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Related knowledge

You must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook for this framework. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training suppliers that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It's the training contractor/ college's responsibility to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in line with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework No 405 Issue 06: 07/22) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact:

For more information, contact:

  • Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch

Core skills and knowledge

On completion of the requirements in this Framework the Apprentice should, as a minimum, have the core skills and core knowledge required to carry out all the following in a safe and competent manner:

• apply health and safety and environmental legislation in the building services engineering sector

• contribute to the management of quality in maintaining, repairing and modifying hard facilities systems

• contribute to the evaluation of opportunities for innovation and improvement

• co-ordinate a work site in the building services engineering sector

• develop and maintain effective customer relationships

• estimate and agree costs with clients

On completion of the requirements in this Framework the apprentice should, as a minimum, have the core skills and core knowledge required to carry out a minimum of one of the following in a safe and competent manner:

• maintenance and repair of electrical hard facilities systems

• maintenance and repair of mechanical hard facilities systems

• maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning hard facilities systems

In addition, the Apprentice should also be able to:

  • apply professional judgement and support 
  • challenge unsafe behaviours/activities
  • demonstrate innovation through the identification of areas for improvement and suggestion and/or development of innovative solutions
  • identify and manage risks to self and others
  • keep work area clean and tidy
  • manage own time effectively
  • think logically and accordance with the demands of the situation using clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
  • work effectively individually and in a team
  • work in accordance with quality requirements
  • work productively
  • work safely and ensure the safety of others
  • work within own level of competence and know when to seek advice from others
  • Core Behaviours

  • Throughout the apprenticeship process the apprentice should develop and display the behaviours that show them to be consistently:
  • assertive
  • confident
  • dressed appropriately
  • empathetic
  • fair
  • honest
  • proactive
  • productive
  • punctual
  • reliable
  • respectful - in terms of equality, diversity, and inclusion 

Transversal skills

Transversal Skills are those skills and abilities which everyone needs in their work.  There are eight Transversal Skills, and these are specified at three levels - basic, intermediate and advanced. It is suggested that, on completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will display the following Transversal Skills:

Self-management

Intermediate level

• take action on what has to be done without having to be told

• work unsupervised

• react appropriately to situations

• be open to new processes and situations

Working with others

Intermediate level

• understand and provide customer service as it applies to role both internally and externally

• empathise with others’ point of view

Citizenship/participating in society

Intermediate level

• engage with individuals with different backgrounds and different needs

• show respect for the environment

Work professionalism

Advanced level

• work flexibly as workplace requires

• work through difficult situations

Problem solving and decision making

Advanced level

• approach a problem from different perspectives

• come up with unique responses to situations

Numeracy

Advanced level

• analyse data

• understand charts, graphs and statistical information

Digital Literacy

Intermediate level

• format, organise and manage files and data

Communication and Literacy

Advanced level

• engage persuasively using agreement and challenge

• understand when to compromise

Enhancements will be at the discretion of the employer and may include:

• BESA Brazing certificate

• BESA CO2 certificate

• BESA F Gas certificate

• Micro-renewables certificate

• EUSKILLS Gas Safety Assessment: Gas Safety Assessment (limited scope) is designed for operatives who will be installing commercial pipework >35mm for the purpose of transporting gas. Unit references (commonly used in sector) are ICPN1 and ICPN1LS

• BPEC Unvented Hot water certificate: This qualification, known as an Unvented Hot Water qualification, provides individuals with the knowledge & skills needed to work with such systems.

• BESA Flammable Refrigerants certificate: The flammable refrigerants certificate is the Flammable Refrigerants (Classification A2L, A2 and A3)

• OFTEC Oil: The oil certificate is the Installation and Maintenance of Oil Fired Heating Equipment

It should be noted that the apprentice, on successful completion of all Framework components, may have generated sufficient work-based evidence to support an application for Eng Tech status with the Engineering Council.

* Optional qualifications are not funded by DfE

 

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