Building Services Engineering – Facilities Maintenance - level 2 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the facilities maintenance sector. Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 2 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the industry.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in building services engineering: facilities maintenance will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and knowledge-based qualification or a combined 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 1
• communication – level 1
• Digital ICT Essential Skills at Entry Level 3, or if you already hold Entry Level 3, you are required to work towards the Level 1 Digital ICT Essential Skills (DfE funded)

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 the combined competency and knowledge qualification below.

• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering 600/1023/X

Eligibility and entry to the programme

It is a requirement that all Apprentices be employed.

Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications and/or medical/physical requirements.

For guidance only, it is expected that the Level 2 Apprenticeship may also be directly accessed by those candidates who:

• Hold (or expect to hold) a minimum of 3 GCSEs at Level D-G or above. This should include Maths, English and a Technical/Science subject.
• Have already gained significant work experience in their occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the relevant L2 framework and who also demonstrates the capacity to achieve a L3 standard.
• Have previously achieved a relevant L2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of a current related ApprenticeshipsNI framework or framework pathway e.g. Level 2 Framework in Heating and Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration.
• Can otherwise demonstrate the potential to be able to successfully complete the L2 qualification and progress onto the L3.

Entry to the qualification is at the discretion of the centre which offers the qualification. This is usually a Further Education college or a private training provider.

Duration             

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

Related knowledge

For this framework, you are required to complete either:

• a suitable rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook; or,

• the below award which includes the required employee rights and responsibilities units:

  Focus Awards Level 2 Award in Employment Rights and Responsibilities (RQF) (601/5072/5)

Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the award or workbook has been completed.

Occupational Profile

Facilities services job roles

The BSE sector is primarily concerned with looking after the physical aspects of the mechanical and electrical services which enable a building to function safely to its optimum level.

Successful completion of this framework will lead to the award of a level 2 qualification and allow you to progress to the L3 Apprenticeship Framework in Facilities Management.

Facilities Management is a unique multi-disciplinary blend of electrical and mechanical services and has been driven by advances in technology, legislation and environmental developments/targets.

This Apprenticeship and the qualification it contains covers the knowledge and understanding required to work in the BSE industry. The qualification covers a wide range of subjects including the theory and practice associated with a range of BSE disciplines including:

• Electrical Installation
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration
• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Ventilating

Core Skills and Knowledge 

The BSE Apprenticeship at Level 2 requires an understanding of the principles of, and an ability to undertake (under supervision), technical activities to ensure the electrical and mechanical services of a building are working to the optimum level. These activities will include:

• Servicing and Maintaining: checking BSE equipment/systems are working to its optimal level. This may be planned maintenance and/or reactive maintenance.
• Fault diagnosis and rectification: identifying what has gone wrong with BSE equipment/systems and sorting the problem.
• Commissioning: verifying the BSE equipment/systems are in accordance with the design specification and are suitable for operation.
• System modification: changing setting/components/equipment to improve BSE performance and efficiency.

Working in the BSE sector requires you to have the knowledge and ability to be able to deal with:

• Numbers and simple mathematical principles and concepts
• Scientific principles and concepts
• Thinking logically and in a structured way
• Problem solving
• Practical issues requiring technical hand-skills
• Changing situations and reacting to these
• Working with others
• Communication (with colleagues, supervisors/managers, customers etc)

In addition, on completion of the requirements in this Framework you will have developed a set of transferable skills which allow you to:

• Apply professional judgement and support
• Challenge unsafe behaviours/activities
• Demonstrate innovation through the identification of areas for improvement/comment 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 according to 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

Assessment

The Quality Assurance aspect of Assessment for the VRQ is the responsibility of the Awarding Organisation. For this Apprenticeship, the Awarding Organisation is EAL.

This EAL qualification has both internal and external assessment. There is an externally set and marked on-screen examination designed to assess the knowledge and understanding in each of the units of the qualification. Internal assessment consists of assignments and/or practical tests, which have been designed to assess the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners for individual units. The internal assessment for each unit is set by EAL and marked by members of the delivery team at the Centre. All assessment decisions are then subject to internal standardisation and external quality assurance.

Enhancements

For this framework, you are required to complete either:

• a suitable rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook; or,
• one of the below awards which includes the required employee rights and responsibilities units:
• EAL level 2 Award in Employment Rights and Responsibilities for New Entrants into the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors (600/0290/6)
  • Focus Awards Level 2 Award in Employment Rights and Responsibilities (RQF) (601/5072/5)

In addition, the Apprentice may be required to satisfy the requirements of the Construction Skills Register (CSR) course (1-day) in Health and Safety or equivalent card scheme in order to get onto specific work sites.

Enhancement will be at the discretion of the employer to align with the specific work being undertaken. This may (for example) include a need for certification in F-Gas or Unvented Hot Water.

Progression

When Apprentices have completed this Framework, they have a number of progression options to them including:

• direct entry to the NI L3 Apprenticeship Framework in Facilities Management
• develop self in the role (or related roles) and seek promotion

• further study and access to further education

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework 117 Issue 9: 12/25) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy.  For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch