CONSULTATION ON NEW APPRENTICESHIP STANDARDS

A development group comprising employers in the industry and supported by B&ES has developed revised apprenticeship standards, which we are now seeking to test with a wider group of employers throughout England.

This survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, with opportunities to add comments if you wish to expand on your answers.

The survey covers two occupations - Craftsperson and Installer.  There are separate questions for each.

Please make sure you have read the Background Note, entitled Consultation on Revised Apprenticeship Standards, and have the two draft Apprenticeship Standards to hand when completing the survey. Extracts from the Standards have also been included at relevant stages in the online questionnaire for your convenience in answering each section.

Many thanks,
 
Colin Acheson
on behalf of the Building Services Engineering Employer Development Group

Please note:  If you represent a company with more than one branch throughout England, please ensure that only one response is provided by the company.

 

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* 1. The two occupations for which Apprenticeship standards have been prepared so far are:
  • Building Services Engineering Craftsperson
  • Building Services Engineering Installer

Are these appropriate job titles to use?

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* 2. If you answered No to the previous question, what is/are more appropriate title(s) to use?

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* 3. Role Profile of a Building Services Engineering Craftsperson

Here is a summary of what a successful candidate should be able to do at the end of his/her apprenticeship.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

A Building Services Engineering Craftsperson undertakes the installation, testing pre-commissioning, commissioning and decommissioning of large-scale heating, chilled water, hot water and cold water systems which are found in large commercial and industrial buildings like office blocks, factories, schools and hospitals.  They normally install large-scale pipework, multiservice prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systems which provide heating and cooling, and utilise fossil fuels and sustainable energy systems.

Craftspersons have detailed knowledge of the systems operating principles.  They also:

·        set, identify and establish the requirements of the job, whether from drawings or clients’ other instructions;

·        liaise and work with other trades, suppliers and clients, as appropriate;

·        solve problems within the scope of the work they carry out;

·        ensure the work complies with all relevant standards;

·        specify and monitor programmes for installing, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning and decommissioning systems;

·        contribute to adjustments in the design of the systems. 

They are able to demonstrate competence in the health and safety, communication, quality control and environmental requirements appropriate to their scope of work.

A Building Services Engineering Craftsperson is able to work on new build construction projects and within existing buildings on their own, proficiently and without immediate supervision, in the most efficient and economical manner.  They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others.

Is this Role Profile correct?  If you answer No, explain in the comment box why you think the Role Profile is not correct.

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* 4. Are all the key elements included?  If you answer No, use the comment box to tell us which key elements you think are missing.

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* 5. Role Profile of a Building Services Engineering Installer

Here is a summary of what a successful candidate should be able to do at the end of his/her apprenticeship.  Read this through and answer the question following it:

A Building Services Engineering Installer undertakes the installation of components in large-scale heating, chilled water, hot water and cold water systems which are found in large commercial and industrial buildings like office blocks, factories, schools and hospitals.  They normally install large-scale pipework, multiservice prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systemswhich provide heating and cooling, and utilise fossil fuels and sustainable energy systems.  

Installers have a basic knowledge of the systems and how the components within systems relate to each other.  They also, under supervision assist in:

·        planning the installation of system components;

·        testing system components;

·        carrying out pre-commission testing;

·        decommissioning systems.

Installers are able to demonstrate competence in the health and safety, communication, quality control and environmental requirements appropriate to their scope of work.

A Building Services Engineering Installer is able to work on new build construction projects and within existing buildings under close, but not constant supervision, in the most efficient and economical manner.  They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others.

Is this Role Profile correct?  If you answer No, explain in the comment box why you think the Role Profile is not correct.

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* 6. Are all the key elements included?  If you answer No, use the comment box to tell us which key elements you think are missing.

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* 7. Required Knowledge and Skills - Building Services Engineering Craftsperson

Here is a summary of the key Knowledge and Skills required of a Building Services Engineering Craftsperson.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Working safely                 
·    Understand and apply safe working practices in building services engineering working environments

Working Sustainably
·    Understand and apply scientific principles within building services engineering; and 
·    Understand and apply environmental protection measures within building services engineering

Planning, preparing and fabricating
·    Understand and organise resources within building services engineering 
·    Understand and carry out site preparation and pipework fabrication techniques for industrial and commercial systems

Installing systems
·    Understand and apply installation, testing, pre-commissioning and commissioning techniques for industrial and commercial:
      ·        cold water systems
      ·        hot water systems
      ·        heating systems
      ·        chilled water systems
·    Understand the principles and requirements of industrial and commercial fuel and sustainable energy systems; and
·    Install multiservice industrial and commercial prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systems

Is the above statement of the necessary Knowledge and Skills complete?  Use the comment box to tell us what you think is missing or what elements are not needed. 

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* 8. The next few questions relate to specific areas of the Role Profile for the Building Services Engineering Craftsperson

Electrical work - Read the following statement and tell us whether you agree with it or not

Craftspersons do not normally undertake the electrical disconnection and reconnection of H&V systems and components.  This is unlikely to change in the future.  There is a requirement for them to operate safely with electrical tools and equipment and to be aware of safe electrical isolation for H&V systems and components.  This should be included within the general safety competence element rather than within a specific electrical element. 

Do you agree with this statement?  If you do not agree with this statement, use the comment box to tell us how you think electrical work should be covered for a Craftsperson Apprentice.

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* 9. Installation of Multi-service Prefabricated Modules - Read the following statement and tell us whether you agree with it or not

Installation of multiservice prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systems has been included as separate element. This emphasises its growing importance within the occupations of Craftsperson and Installer in the future. 

Do you agree with this statement?   If you do not agree with this statement, use the comment box to tell us how you think installation of multi-service prefabricated modules should be covered for a Craftsperson Apprentice.

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* 10. Pipe Welding - Read the following statement and tell us whether you agree with it or not

The need for pipe welding has diminished and this trend is likely to continue.  There is some concern that the skill could be lost altogether from the industry, but this is outweighed by the cost of training and maintaining the skills as an inherent part of the Craftsperson occupation. 

Do you agree with this statement?  If you do not agree with this statement, use the comment box to tell us how you think pipe welding should be covered for a Craftsperson Apprentice.

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* 11. Maintenance - Read the following statement and tell us whether you agree with it or not

Maintenance had been included in previous qualifications to provide an alternative option for employers who did not require Craftspersons to undertake pipe welding.  The Employer Development Group felt it was not required and that this review provided the opportunity for it to be removed from the Craftsperson skill set.

Do you agree with this statement?  If you do not agree with this statement, use the comment box to tell us how you think Maintenance should be covered for a Craftsperson Apprentice.

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* 12. Specialist Systems - Read the following statement and tell us whether you agree with it or not

Fire protection, warm air and compressed air systems are all felt to be specialisms that should only be available as additional training for employers who require it for their businesses. 

Do you agree with this statement?  If you do not agree with this statement, use the comment box to tell us how you think Specialist Systems should be covered for a Craftsperson Apprentice.

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* 13. Are any key items missing that are likely to be needed in the next 3-5 years?  If you answer Yes to this question, use the comment box to tell us what key items you think need to be included.

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* 14. Required Knowledge and Skills - Building Services Engineering Installer

Here is a summary of the key Knowledge and Skills required of a Building Services Engineering Installer.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Working safely
·    Understand and apply safe working practices in building services engineering working environments

Working sustainably
·    Understand and apply scientific principles within building services engineering
·    Understand and apply environmental protection measures within building services engineering

Preparing and fabricating
·    Understand and carry out site preparation and pipework fabrication techniques for industrial and commercial system components

Installing systems
·    Understand and apply industrial and commercial system component installation techniques for:
      ·     cold water systems
      ·     hot water systems
      ·     heating systems
      ·     chilled water systems
·    Install multiservice industrial and commercial prefabricated and/or modularised components and distribution systems
 
Is the above statement of the necessary Knowledge and Skills complete?  Use the comment box to tell us what you think is missing or what elements are not needed.

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* 15. Behaviours required of a Building Services Engineering Craftsperson

Here is a summary of the workplace behaviours required of a Building Services Engineering Craftsperson.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Communicating effectively
·   Use oral, written and electronic methods for the communication of technical and other information

Working effectively
·    Work reliably and effectively without close supervision

Taking responsibility
·    Accept responsibility for the work of themselves and others

Managing tasks
·    Accept allocate and supervise technical and other tasks

Working with others
·    Work effectively with colleagues, other trades, clients, suppliers and the public

Continuing personal development
·    Maintain and enhance competence in own area

Working ethically
·    Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner


Should this list be amended?  Use the comment box to tell us what changes (additions and deletions) you would make to this list.

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* 16. Behaviours required of a Building Services Engineering Installer

Here is a summary of the workplace behaviours required of a Building Services Engineering Installer.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Communicating effectively
· Use oral, written and electronic methods for the communication of technical and other information

Working effectively
· Work reliably and effectively under close, but not constant supervision

Taking responsibility
· Accept responsibility for their own work

Working with others
· Work effectively with colleagues, other trades, clients, suppliers and the public

Continuing personal development
· Maintain and enhance competence in own area

Working ethically
· Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner


Should this list be amended?  Use the comment box to tell us what changes (additions and deletions) you would make to this list.

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* 17. Duration of Apprenticeship - Building Services Engineering Craftsperson

Below you will find a statement about the duration of an apprenticeship for a Building Services Engineering Craftsperson.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Candidates entering this apprenticeship without previous experience will take between 36 and 48 months to demonstrate competence in the standard.  This time may be reduced if the apprentice is part qualified or has relevant experience on entry.


Do you agree with this statement?  If you answer No to this question, use the comment box to tell us what you think the more likely duration should be.

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* 18. Duration of Apprenticeship - Building Services Engineering Installer

Below you will find a statement about the duration of an apprenticeship for a Building Services Engineering Installer.  Read this through and answer the question following it.

Candidates entering this apprenticeship without previous experience will take 24 months to demonstrate competence in the standard.  This time may be reduced if the apprentice is part qualified or has relevant experience on entry.


Do you agree with this statement?  If you answer No to this question, use the comment box to tell us what you think the more likely duration should be.

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* 19. ... and, finally, some questions about you and your company ...

Are you a UK based employer?

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* 20. How many UK based employees are there in your organisation?

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* 21. How many Building Services Engineering Craftspersons do you employ?

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* 22. How many Building Services Engineering Installers do you employ?

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* 23. How many Building Services Engineering Craftsperson apprentices do you employ?

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* 24. How many Building Services Engineering Installer apprentices do you employ?

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* 25. Where is your organisation based?

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* 26. Enter the name and address of your organisation below.

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* 27. B&ES and the Employer Development Group may wish to contact you in the future regarding your feedback from this survey.  Please indicate whether we may contact you again.

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