BESA launches programme to address shortage of trainers and assessors in UK building services
Iain Hoey
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Building services industry faces shortage of trainers and assessors
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a new initiative to address what it describes as a critical shortage of trainers and assessors in the building services industry.
BESA reported that the lack of qualified trainers is hindering the further education (FE) system’s ability to deliver skilled professionals into the workforce.
The Association warned that without intervention, the industry would struggle to fill skills gaps and meet service demands by the end of the decade.
The ‘BESA Skills Legacy’ programme seeks to enlist experienced industry professionals to support colleges and training providers in delivering essential courses.
BESA stated that the initiative aims to reassure education providers that there will be sufficient training capacity, enabling them to invest in necessary resources.
Programme aims to build capacity in further education sector
BESA said that the limited availability of qualified professionals to run apprenticeship schemes has led to the sector being classified as high risk by the FE sector.
This has resulted in a nationwide shortage of training opportunities.
Stuart Rattray, BESA’s head of skills and policy, said: “Our workforce is ageing and is already under intense pressure.
“The average age across construction-related sectors is 53, so without a dramatic increase in the number of young people coming in, a labour force crunch is looming.”
He added that simply increasing recruitment would not be enough to resolve the issue: “Unless we address the shortage of trainers and assessors who can deliver programmes, the industry will be unable to meet demand within a few short years.”
Recruitment drive launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2025
The Skills Legacy initiative was launched to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (#NAW25).
The scheme is bringing together employers, represented by BESA, and the FE sector to establish a pathway for skilled professionals to become qualified trainers or assessors.
BESA explained that individuals must be qualified to the level they assess and will be responsible for training within their technical discipline.
The Association has set up a national network of FE providers to deliver the Training, Assessor, and Quality Assurance (TAQA) Level 3 programme across the UK.
Rattray said: “Being a qualified assessor isn’t just about working in a local FE college.
“Businesses can also benefit from having trades assessors in-house for a variety of assessment requirements.
“End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) and private training providers are always looking for qualified assessors and quality assurance personnel.”
Pathway for new trainers and assessors outlined
BESA is working with education providers and employers to recruit candidates for the programme.
The Association is also creating an assessor register and plans to celebrate those who complete the training.
The training will be delivered through a hybrid model combining remote and in-person learning.
Candidates who complete the programme will be added to the BESA Assessor Register and assigned to their nearest partner training provider.
Rattray stated: “Without recruiting more trainers and assessors, we simply cannot address the skills shortages that building services employers say are the biggest threat to their businesses.
“Engineers often undervalue their own knowledge and experience because it might come naturally to them, but by offering to share it with a whole new generation, they will be making an enormous contribution to the advancement of our industry.”
BESA launches programme to address shortage of trainers and assessors in UK building services: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched the ‘BESA Skills Legacy’ programme to address a shortage of trainers and assessors in the UK building services industry.
BESA stated that the shortage is preventing the further education sector from supplying the workforce needed to meet industry demand.
The programme is recruiting experienced industry professionals to support colleges and training providers.
The scheme was launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and will establish a structured pathway for qualified professionals to become trainers or assessors.
BESA has set up a national network of FE providers to deliver the TAQA Level 3 programme.
Training will be provided through a hybrid format.
Those who complete the programme will be added to the BESA Assessor Register and assigned to a partner training provider.
BESA has called for engineers to take part, stating that increasing trainer numbers is essential to overcoming industry-wide skills shortages.