BPEC Fire Emergency and Security Systems Experienced Worker Assessment 

For over three decades, BPEC has diligently evaluated, advanced, and certified the expertise of thousands of individuals within the building services engineering (BSE) sector. 

Matt Skelding, Head of Operations and Development said “Our accomplishments within BSE have consistently set significant benchmarks, a testament to which was the invitation to apply to deliver the end-point assessment for the Fire, Emergency, and Security System (FESS) Technician apprenticeship in 2021. Since then, we have proven our commitment to the industry and worked closely with the stakeholders to provide a trusted, quality service, that meets the needs of everyone involved. 

Today, we are immensely proud to announce the FESS Experienced Worker Assessment route, that we have been working on since January 2023, has been approved by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Technical Evaluation Group and was ratified by the ECS Steering Committee in September 2023.” 

The initiative allows experienced professionals in the sector to demonstrate that they meet the same stringent standards as those completing the FESS apprenticeship standard in England and achieving ECS FESS Systems Technician status. The robust process involves providing evidence of competence and experience prior to progressing through a gateway to undertake the assessment activities. 

Andy Reakes, Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme – Director of Growth and Development said, “In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, it is imperative for the industry to recognise and enhance its competency levels. BPEC’s new offering seamlessly aligns with the UK-wide Fire and Security standards and culminates in ECS FESS Technician gold card recognition. For those who never had the opportunity to undertake a Fire and Security apprenticeship, as it did not exist when they started their career, the EWA presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the level to which someone is working and recognition of many years of hard work, skills and knowledge. This is not only important as part of the need to evidence competence standards but is also providing a commercial benefit to those companies who can quickly and easily demonstrate a more skilled and competent workforce to clients and main contractors.”

As we embark on the roll out of this new initiative, we look forward to collaborating with our industry peers to ensure a comprehensive rollout via our approved training partners. Please follow our usual media outlets for more information as things develop. 

If you are an assessment centre interested in delivering the FESS Experienced Worker Assessment, please contact aoadmin@bpec.org.uk for more information.