The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and ATU formally launched an expanded suite of SCSI accredited online and flexible programmes in the Property Services and Facilities Management discipline. The programmes developed in close collaboration with industry partners and in response to market demand, offer students the ability to progress from ATU’s existing Level 6 Higher Certificate in Property Services and Facilities Management, growing career opportunities and building skills in this area.
A recent SCSI report identified a shortage of c. 1100 property surveyors, with firms advising that the lack of these staff is constraining business. To fulfil demand, the property industry has been recruiting from other sectors and providing in-house training. The view of the market was that there was a requirement for more advanced educational offerings and that there was a significant need for digital skills development which these new programmes now seek to meet. On the Facilities Management side, there is growing professionalism in the industry now estimated to be valued at €1.5bn, which this newly launched BSc in Facilities and Building Services Management will support.
These programmes provide a route to chartership for graduates. Once chartered, graduates can work anywhere in the world. Though specialised, there are various job opportunities available leading to an exciting career with many opportunities. Graduates will find themselves in flexible and varied working locations from office based to visiting onsite locations or clients’ properties. There is a unique mix of Construction and Business within these programmes, from managing contracts, budgets, valuations, communication, negotiation, to surveying, measuring, planning, and reporting. Facility Managers were to the forefront of the recent Covid 19 response in business.
An important partner in the development of this suite of programmes has been SCSI with James Lonergan, Director of Education at SCSI commenting: “The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland is delighted to see the launch of these courses through our partnership with ATU Sligo. The availability of these online courses in Real Estate Development and Valuation and in Facilities Management (FM) provides a unique, flexible, accessible opportunity for students who wish to upskill on a part time basis.”
James went on to say “As the courses are all delivered online, they will help to address a significant skills gap in the industry by providing access to education to prospective students nationwide. The Level 8 Facilities Management course is the first SCSI accredited Facilities Management course in Ireland while the Real Estate courses will broaden education options and opportunities for learners. Those who complete either of this Level 8 Degree courses will be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, which is a vital step in the career path for Property and Facilities Management professionals.”
Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at ATU Sligo, welcomed the expansion of programmes: “this new suite of SCSI accredited programmes further strengthens ATU’s position in addressing unmet industry skills requirements through online and flexible part time programme provision, particularly in the property and facilities management areas.”
Property Services and Facilities Management are two specialised professions, and the new level 7 programme gives students an opportunity to study in both fields. After completion of this level 7 programme, they can advance to more specialised study at level 8 in either Property Services or Facilities Management.
The new suite of part-time online & flexible programmes available include a Level 7 BSc in Property Services and Facilities Management, a Level 7 Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency Practice, a Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Facilities and Building Services Management and a Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Real Estate Development and Valuation.
Applications for these programmes are now open for a January 2023 intake and can be made through www.atu.ie/sligoonline.