With youth unemployment in the UK now over one million, facilities management provider EMCOR Group (UK) has launched a graduate scheme designed to identify facilities managers of the future. The scheme is the first time EMCOR has offered a programme specifically to train graduates in its facilities management business.

Commenting on the scheme, Keith Chanter, CEO of EMCOR Group (UK) said: “EMCOR UK is delighted to be launching this initiative aimed at developing the next generation of facilities managers. The scheme reflects our on-going commitment to inspiring young people and is designed to attract and grow talent.

“These graduates join our nationwide team that is focused on meeting the evolving requirements of our customers. In such a challenging economic climate, it is really tough for young people, including graduates, to find a job and we would urge other businesses to take similar action by increasing the number of opportunities they offer young people. We believe that now is a key time to invest in the future to enhance the skills capability in our industry.”

The first applicants who earned places on the scheme are following the BIFM Certificate in FM programme and are being rotated across a number of EMCOR’s main divisions. The graduates will work with a selection of EMCOR UK’s clients, gaining experience in a variety of highly diverse workplace environments, working for some of the UK’s most prestigious private and public sector organisations.

Gain experience

Andrew Mellor, 24, who has a BSc (Honours) degree in Building Surveying from Sheffield Hallam University, commented: “Since joining EMCOR UK I’ve had a great general introduction to the company, and in the coming weeks I’m going to be involved in learning about how to deliver both operational and cost efficiencies. In a short amount of time I’ve had the opportunity to work within some amazing organisations and get experience of EMCOR’s collaborative working relationships with its customers.”