Supporting Careers in the Building Services Engineering Sector

As the sector skills council for BSE, SummitSkills is continually working to ensure that the appropriate information is readily available in formats that will directly appeal to those who may form part of our future workforce. Recruitment is the first step to sustaining this industry and people need to know the opportunities that it holds.

SummitSkills is heavily involved with the development of numerous tools that promote the wide range of careers in the BSE sector. Thanks to this, careers advisors now have access to several multi-media options.

Careers map poster

SummitSkills has produced a BSE careers map in the form of an A2-sized poster that presents progression routes and training options in the sector. Produced to help encourage new entrants to the sector, the map summarises progression routes and demonstrates the many career options available, from apprenticeship level through to Chartered Engineer.

The map tracks typical routes through a building services engineering career, from entry, through structured training and workplace experience, to professional qualifications and career functions. It also summarises core craft, technical and engineering job descriptions to provide a flavour of what the work would entail and assist learners to select the right path to reflect their individual interests.

Interactive careers map

With so many students using the Internet as a source of information, SummitSkills has recently launched an interactive web-based version of its careers map poster. Users can find all the information they need at the click of a button.

The online careers map enables individuals to track their way through the wide range of exciting and challenging career opportunities. It displays examples of training routes, from apprenticeships and NVQs for those with GCSEs, to degrees and masters degrees, and the progression routes through the sector to possible careers at the end.

Users can specify what stage of training they are currently at or if they are considering a career change. A brief job description of each of the careers in the sector is also available, along with information on the benefits of continued professional development, and where to find professional institutions linked to the sector.

The benefit of this interactive tool is that users can navigate at their own leisure and dip into relevant information as and when they require. As with the hard copy poster, it provides snippets of job summaries, but the interactive version enables users to engage with peers who have made similar career decisions, and gives examples of routes other learners have opted for.

Careers DVD

Soon to be launched is a free careers DVD. Although still at production stage, the DVD features numerous sector employees, all at varying stages of their career. Each individual details their progression route, reasons for selecting their chosen employment, what is involved day-to-day and future prospects. The work-study balance is also addressed, enabling trainees to appreciate how their time will be spent. Providing real-life examples of what other trainees have achieved and sharing experiences is likely to have a greater impact on entrants to the sector, broadening their horizons on what is available, and what can be accomplished.

Interactive careers game

SummitSkills also has a fun interactive careers game in the pipeline. Students are able to experience a day in the life of a building services engineer, making ‘real’ decisions that impact on costs and the environment. The game is designed to highlight sustainability and renewables, as players navigate through a fantasy holiday village, testing their skills and knowledge along the way.

By providing real experiences, entrants will have a better understanding of their chosen career path and the heights they can aspire to. It can also be argued that such software could help improve the retention of trainees on sector courses, as through the game they have a more realistic idea of what to expect from a career in building services engineering.

Get your copy here!

To receive an alert when the DVD and game are available, please register at www.summitskills.org.uk/register.

Careers advisors and students alike should visit SummitSkills’ online careers pages that contain a raft of information on entrance to the sector and teaching opportunities. Visit www.summitskills.org.uk/careers for full details.

To download a copy of the careers map, visit www.summitskills.org.uk/careersmap or tel 01908 303960.

For general information and queries concerning careers, call SummitSkills’ careers helpline on 08000 688 336.