The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has welcomed the launch of the BEMS Controls Engineer Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) by training provider Group Horizon. Completion of the EWA will enable candidates to obtain an ECS Building Controls Engineer Gold card.

The BEMS Controls Engineer EWA provides a route for those who did not have the opportunity to complete a formal apprenticeship or vocational assessment, but have gained the necessary knowledge and skills from many years’ experience in the industry. It provides a time and cost effective way of assessing these people to this industry standard, which avoids the need for them to go back to college or to undertake formal training routes.

Following the development of the BEMS apprenticeship standard and the launch of a series of ECS cards for the building controls sector in October 2023, ECS worked alongside Group Horizon and the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) to deliver the BEMS Controls Engineer EWA. The EWA meets the same standard as those completing their BEMS apprenticeship.

A number of electrotechnical EWAs have been developed in recent years to mirror the relevant apprenticeship. These assessments recognise the candidate’s experience and consider the work they have been carrying out to the nationally recognised standard.

There are now multiple routes to gain qualified status and a Gold card, to suit people from different backgrounds. All are mapped to the same standard and outcomes to ensure there are no shortcuts to competence.

Andy Reakes, director of growth and development at ECS, said: “The ECS Gold card provides industry-wide recognition for qualified professionals in their respective electrotechnical fields. Gold card holders are rightfully proud of their credentials. It is important that a formal route is available for experienced building controls professionals to prove their competency, including those who have not had the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship or similar route. This is an issue we have been working to resolve with the help of the BCIA and we are delighted that Group Horizon has been able to launch this Experienced Worker Assessment.”