Getting Ahead Without Losing Your Head

The struggle to get ahead at work can be fraught with tension. You want to be promoted but what if your boss isn't so keen? What then? The world of Facilities Management has plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to work for them. This is what I've learned.
Your workplace should ideally provide training courses for you in a range of areas, but be aware that if your career goals don't align with your manager's, you'll have to fund it yourself.

All attempts at aiming for promotion should begin with a chat with your line manager about the options available to you. The HR department should be able to assist if you get no joy.

I began my FM career on the helpdesk and moved to contract coordination in house by learning from colleagues. Some training was provided but most of it was on the job. My employers paid for an FM apprenticeship and NVQ Level 3 in Facilities Management Principles and Facilities Management practice. I also have a minor qualification in customer service. To get to the next level at work would have meant going for a team leader position and wait for the call centre manager to leave. Procurement was another option but it didn't appeal to me. I wanted to manage my own site. The only option was to self fund it.

Choosing your course

Before you get your wallet out, consider what potential employers are looking for. A gradual rise up the chain is preferable to a short sharp shock of being catapulted into a job you lack the experience for. Look, then, at what the recruiters and employers are asking their personnel to have in terms of qualifications for the position you want, then contact the relevant training bodies to ask about the courses. Go through the IOSH website to find out which course providers to use. If you want a management role you will need a health and safety qualification.

HSQE provides online learning courses in a range of health and safety subjects. Sometimes they have special offers. I was able to take advantage of a bundled course option that added awareness of working at height, COSSH, asbestos, manual lifting, and working at height to the IOSH Managing Safely course I wanted. The bundled course I took cost me £165.00.

It doesn't hurt to get IWFM membership. This allows you to put their letters after your name. You have to submit your CV and any other supporting evidence such as copies of your certificates to be considered, and there are various levels of membership. The lowest professional membership is AIWFM, the Associate membership. Anyone from client/contract support to supervisor gets this. The MIWFM is for managers. IWFM Associate membership costs £159.00 per annum.

It wouldn't help to take a management course as well. Coursera courses are backed by the University of Manchester. While the courses are free (for online users) the certificates cost £37.00. This is worth it if you're trying to impress a potential employer.

So, then, if you're trying to get ahead and your employer doesn't have any opportunities for you, it's possible to make your own if you can afford to pay for the courses. Good luck!