IWFM CEO to organisations: secure the future, advocate for Level 2 apprenticeships 

News

This week marked National Apprenticeships Week, taking place as the Government is reviewing the viability of the Level 2 Facilities Services Operative apprenticeship.  

There is concern that a lack of employer engagement in the process increases the risk that the government might seek to remove the Level 2 apprenticeship if it perceives a lack of interest from employers. Recent figures, according to FE Week, which show a rise in apprenticeship starts overall, belie the fact that Level 2 starts are at their lowest in four years – and falling.  

Encouraging is that in IWFM’s 2024 Market Outlook Report published last spring 36% of respondents said they had increased investment in skills and training, invaluable in addressing the skills shortage and bolstering competence. 44% of respondents also expected a rise in investment in skills and/or training.  

Organisations have shown that they want to invest in the future and apprenticeships are a critical component for ensuring talent recruitment and retention.  

IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis calls for support of the Level 2 Facilities Services Operative apprenticeship:  

“We have a critical skills shortage in our sector. My message is to employers to say, look, these are your programmes; as an apprenticeship levy payer, you've already funded this, so get behind the programme and make your voice heard by the government. 

“Because if you don’t, the Department of Education will not develop it further, will not review it. The secretary of state will take it off the books and it will just disappear. We keep talking about the skills shortages we face in this sector, these apprenticeships are an important way of addressing that, and this is an excellent opportunity to help shape them going forward - so please, get involved. 

“If you believe in apprenticeships, if you believe in developing your people, if you believe in having a competitive edge over your competitors, then please invest just some of your time (60 minutes every fortnight) in making sure that these apprenticeships are reviewed and made fit for purpose for future generations. We need you to talk about the skills, knowledge and behaviours that you're looking for in a facilities services operative.” 

Want to add your voice to this matter? Email [email protected], who will pass on your details and your support for skills.