How to become a facilities manager
You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship. If you already have some relevant experience you may be able to apply to an employer directly or complete on-the-job training.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could do a foundation or undergraduate degree. This would help you to progress into more senior roles.
Relevant subjects include facilities management, property or estate management or building services management, but you don’t necessarily need a specific degree to become a facilities manager. You may have gained sufficient experience in another area of work such as administration, management or hospitality.
You’ll need at least 1 A level (or equivalent) to do a foundation degree or 2 - 3 A levels (or equivalent) for a first degree.
College/training provider
Some colleges or training providers offer an NVQ Level 3 in facilities management.
You won’t need any existing qualifications for this but it would help to have GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) also award relevant qualifications.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
You could complete an advanced apprenticeship to become a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship to become a facilities manager. You’d spend up to two years doing on-the-job training, with time at a college or training provider.
Work
If you have relevant qualifications or experience in a related area such as building services, administration, management or health and safety, you may be able to apply directly to an employer.
Whilst working, you could study part-time for a qualification with the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management(IWFM) or the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Masters degrees in facilities management are also available.
If you are just starting out, you could apply for a job as a building caretaker, trainee or assistant facilities manager. You could then do on-the-job training (such as a Level 3 Diploma in Facilities Management) to work your work up.
Work experience
To help decide whether this job is for you, further your skills and impress employers, you could gain some work experience. Potential employers will always be pleased to see this listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a facilities manager include:
- Customer service and administration skills
- Business management skills
- Be thorough and pay attention to detail
- Knowledge of economics and accounting
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- Able to work well with others
- Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
