The Skills Legacy Scheme, unveiled in March, aims to recruit 100 trainers, assessors and building safety auditors to support further education (FE) providers struggling to find qualified engineers to deliver building services apprenticeships. The scheme has drawn enthusiastic interest from experienced professionals keen to give back to the industry and help close widening skills gaps.

Jon Hogg of Ductbusters is the first to complete the programme, earning his Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). Two more candidates are currently enrolled, with additional applicants awaiting course start dates and training provider placements.

“The fact that we already have our first graduate shows that employers recognise the urgency of overcoming the challenges we face,” said Stuart Rattray, BESA’s Head of Competence. “The shortage of trainers and assessors is a major Achilles heel in our sector’s ability to deliver apprenticeships. Tackling this is essential to securing the future of our workforce.”

The scheme also supports recruitment of building safety auditors to meet new competence requirements under the Building Safety Act. Participants will be assessed in line with ISO 9001 standards.

The initiative is co-sponsored by the Manly Charitable Trust, which is funding the first 50 participants. Founded by former BESA President Graham Manly in memory of his father Alfred, the Trust supports STEM education and youth opportunities in engineering.

BESA said the Trust’s backing offers reassurance to FE colleges, many of which have been forced to scale back building engineering courses due to a lack of qualified trainers and assessors.

“Our workforce is ageing, with an average age of 53 across construction-related sectors,” added Rattray. “Without a dramatic increase in young entrants—and the trainers to support them—we face a looming labour crunch.”

Hogg said he was “delighted and proud” to be the first graduate: “Talk is cheap. This scheme is a chance to act on the skills crisis. I hope many more of my peers will join me in helping deliver the next generation of apprentices.”

Training provider Brooks & Kirk praised Hogg’s achievement, noting the urgent need for qualified assessors: “Without assessors, apprenticeships stall and industries struggle. Jon’s success is just the beginning.”

Training is delivered via a hybrid format, and BESA is developing an assessor register to support educators and employers in recognising those who complete the programme.

For more information on joining the Skills Legacy programme, visit the BESA website.