ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Facilities solutions provider ABM has now launched the sixth year of its its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P.) in the UK, inviting a new cohort of students to explore the diverse opportunities within the facilities management sector.

J.E.E.P. aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships and the facilities management industry amongst young people and their parents.The programme engages with students aged 11 to 12 and runs in four schools across London, Birmingham, Bradford, and Manchester. This year's curriculum expands its focus to include aviation and soft services, providing students with a holistic view of the industry.

The initiative is supported by independent education charity The Talent Foundry and is evaluated annually using surveys for all stakeholders. After completion of the 2022 programme more than 650 students had graduated from J.E.E.P since its inception in 2017. Sixty-one female students (62 per cent of the total cohort) took part and 95 per cent of students felt their knowledge of facilities management increased.

Richard Sykes, SVP and president of ABM UK and Ireland commented: "J.E.E.P is about rolling up our sleeves and proactively plugging the skills gap which our industry is facing."

www.jeep-abm.org