BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship

Developing building controls engineers to deliver intelligent and healthy buildings

The Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship is the only focused apprenticeship available to the building controls sector.   

The apprenticeship has been in delivery since 2021 and delivers a comprehensive, industry-leading programme of learning to deliver the Building Controls Engineers of the future. 

National training provider Group Horizon Ltd, in partnership with the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) delivers the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship.

The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Standard addresses an industry wide shortage of BEMS Controls Engineers who will use the technical skills they learn on the Apprenticeship to keep the buildings of tomorrow running efficiently, helping to tackle the global race to reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions for a greener, healthier and more cost-effective built environment.

This Apprenticeship offers a balance of on-the-job assessments and technical training which covers all aspects of the industry. Group Horizon’s specialist tutors, who each bring a wealth of experience in their chosen field, will deliver the BCIA’s technical course modules BCM00 – BCM15 as part of the Apprenticeship.

Next cohort starts:

Q1 2025

The number of places available for the next cohort may be limited. For information and current availability submit an enquiry.

The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship

This Apprenticeship offers a balance of technical training and on the job assessments to match the needs and requirements of the apprentice’s employer.

The knowledge and assessment units include:

  1. Controls Hardware and Logic: Apprentices will be required to select, install, configure and update control hardware platforms from the main manufacturers in the UK Market.

  2. Field Devices: Field devices are manufactured by numerous organisations and can be categorised into sensors, valves, actuators, dampers, variable speed drives, switches and relays.

  3. Networking: Standard network architectures such TCI/IP, MSTP and RS485 are the main stays of the industry and apprentices will be required to design, install, maintain and fault find these types of networks along with more specialist sub-networks.

  4. Communication Protocols: Apprentices will be trained to a high level in the common open standard protocols in widespread use within the BEMS industry.

  5. Supervisor Software: Apprentices will gain a knowledge of the construction of graphics, creation of user accounts, alarm management and schedule management.

Location and duration of Training:

This training programme will be delivered on the apprentice’s company site and through classroom and/or online learning sessions. It can take up to 36 months to complete.

It is delivered as blended learning programme with both classroom and online sessions covering the technical theory.  

Learners will also be required to attend functional skills elements of the course (including Maths and English where required).

These sessions will be planned in advance to minimise impact on the day-to-day business of the employer.

Qualifications included:

On successful completion of the programme, individuals will receive the following: 

  • Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship at Level 4.

On completion of specific Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) technical course modules individuals will receive the following:

  • Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Technical Certificate

  • Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Advanced Technical Certificate

End Point Assessment (EPA):

End Point Assessment is required to complete the Apprenticeship and is split into two sections:

  1. Project Report and Presentation with Questioning: The apprentice will be required to submit an agreed project subject, title and scope to the employer and End Point Assessment Organisation. Apprentices will then prepare a report and deliver a presentation based on the project.

  2. Practical Observation with Questioning: The apprentice will be observed by an independent assessor completing work in their normal workplace/on site.

Useful Guides

The following guides provide useful information for employers and those considering an apprenticeship: