Do facility managers’ employers and individuals recognize a need for facility management training? What is the impact of training and how accessible is it to the FM workforce?
Those were among the questions asked of industry professionals for the FM Training Outlook Survey conducted in spring 2022 by the Professional Facility Management Institute (ProFMI).
- 86% of FM employers say there’s a gap between the knowledge and skills their team has and what they need to excel.
- Training can make an impact, with 74% of FM employers saying that FM training and credentials result in better job performance.
- 57% of FM employers are planning to implement FM training this year.
FMs were also surveyed about addressing the FM skills gap and the importance of FM credentials and qualifications.
Overwhelmingly, FM managers and staff agree that training is needed for job performance and growth. More employers are adding training to their budgets in recognition of the confidence and credibility boost it provides.
“Other than rental costs, what’s typically your largest expenditure,” asks John Hajduk, ProFM, executive director, facilities operations, Sodexo. “Your people is the answer, so it’s really not a question of can you afford to train and invest in your people. It’s can you afford not to?”
The survey reveals answers across four categories:
- Building & Retaining the FM Workforce
- Value of FM Training
- Addressing the FM Skills Gap
- Importance of FM Credentials & Qualifications
Since 2019, the Professional Facility Management Institute (ProFMI) and Building Operating Management (BOM) magazine have been conducting the Facility Management (FM) Training Outlook Survey to determine the need for facility management training and credentials from both the management and staff points of view. The latest survey was conducted in February and March of 2022 to identify FM workforce trends, determine the current need for FM training and credentials, and gauge how sentiments may have shifted over time.