Making sure that buildings and their services meet the needs of the people that work in them.
This occupation is found in various sectors and organisations, such as professional facilities management companies, property management companies, construction, hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities. A facilities manager may work directly for the company whose services they manage, or they may work for an organisation that provides these services to various businesses.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to be responsible for the maintenance and security of buildings and services. Their work ensures that the environment meets the needs of the people working within it. They manage tasks like overseeing building projects, renovations, or refurbishments, managing general upkeep and maintenance, ensuring that facilities meet regulations and environmental, health, and security standards. The exact duties of a facilities manager can depend on the organisation and industry.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with various departments within an organisation to understand their specific needs and requirements. They also collaborate with external stakeholders such as suppliers, service providers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that the facilities meet industry standards and regulations. They also address maintenance, manage complaints, and ensure a comfortable working environment. They work closely with skilled professionals like maintenance technicians, electricians, and plumbers for repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance.
Facilities managers manage facilities by collaborating with external contractors for services like cleaning, landscaping, security, and equipment maintenance. They maintain and upgrade technology infrastructure, coordinate with health and safety officers, and collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers for renovations or construction. They may also interact with environmental agencies to address sustainability initiatives and comply with regulations.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and comfortable working environment for properties, assets, and services, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. They supervise and negotiate contracts with service providers for security, parking, cleaning, catering, and technology, ensuring they meet the organisation's needs and budget.
A facilities manager is responsible for overseeing renovations, updates, and improvements in office space layout, equipment, and infrastructure. They also inspect facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations, such as the building safety act and fire regulations.
A facilities manager oversees staff in cleaning, maintenance, grounds, and security, advising organisations on improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness of facilities through optimisation of energy usage, space utilisation, and maintenance schedules. They ensure well-maintained facilities through planned schedules and reactive maintenance issues.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Project with business case
You will complete a project and write a business case. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The business case should be a maximum of 3500 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 8 weeks to complete the project and submit the business case to the EPAO.
You will have a question and answer session with an independent assessor to discuss the project. It will last 75 minutes. They will ask at least 8 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 75 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of workplace and facilities management (IWFM) for Member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Occupational standard, end point assessment and funding band revised. | 24/03/2025 | Not set |
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan revised | 02/08/2024 | 23/03/2025 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 03/05/2018 | 01/08/2024 |
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