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The recipient was Shaun Gilding of Trend Control Systems Ltd who was enrolled in the ‘Fundamentals of HVAC and Building Technology’ module being held at the headquarters office of Trend Control Systems Limited in Horsham. “Who would be awarded the 1,000th certificate was a lottery right up to the end of the day,” explained Keith Doherty, BCIA Trainer, “as each module requires that the delegates pass an examination before a certificate is awarded.”
The BCIA Technical Training Programme, which is underpinned with training material developed and supplied by Siemens Building Technologies, was launched at the end of 2002 and is the only UK generic building controls engineering qualification. However, it is anticipated that some time this year it will form part of the nationally recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) scheme. “With the support of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the BCIA has been working with SummitSkills, ETA and other educationalists to establish a nationally recognised engineering qualification for the building controls industry,” explained Doug Robins, BCIA President. “We should be in a position to announce the move from industry recognised qualification to a nationally accepted qualification at our Conference in May.”
The training programme consists of six modules resulting in a series of qualifications; the first three modules covering fundamentals, measurement and sensing, and hydraulics, build into the Building Controls Industry Technical Certificate, with the addition of the final three specialist modules resulting in the Building Controls Industry Advanced Technical Certificate. The ECA, with its established training facility, has managed the programme from its inception.
“To date, nearly 400 engineers and technicians have enrolled in the training programme,” said Iain Macdonald, Head of Education & Training for the ECA. “Some have successfully completed all six modules, while others, particularly from companies outside the core building controls industry, take those modules pertinent to their responsibilities. In total, 63 companies have sent delegates for training.”
Trend Controls generously helped Shaun Gilding to celebrate this landmark occasion by supplying him with a bottle of champagne, a leather bound A5 filofax and a Waterman fountain pen. “Obviously, we are extremely pleased that the 1,000th certificate was awarded at our office,” said Chris Monson, Strategic Marketing Manager for Trend Control Systems Limited. “But furthermore, the generic approach of the BCIA Technical Training Programme and its high standard of training have led Trend to incorporate two of the modules (Control Functions in Heating Plants and Control of Ventilation & Air Conditioning) within its ‘IQ Assured’ technically proficient partner programme.”
With the Technical Training Programme well on its way to becoming an NVQ, the BCIA Skills Development Working Group is now considering the creation of non-technical building controls qualifications. “Sales and marketing are obvious areas where knowledge specific to the building controls industry would aid anyone considering a career in our industry,” said Doug Robins.
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