New building automation training

Text: Marion de Graaff, Copywriting Agency 't Kofschip.

TVVL and FHI are developing a new training course: Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management. The training course will start in the spring of 2021. 'This meets a need.'

A Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management training did not yet exist. In order to gauge whether there would be interest, FHI and TVVL conducted a survey. The response showed that there is a clear need for a training at engineering and design level for Building Automation Systems, which complements the learning path to the function of System Architect Building Automation and Management.

Curriculum established

Martin Hof (FHI) and Jos Bijman (TVVL) are busy with the preparations. 'A specially appointed working group has determined the learning objectives and established the curriculum for the training. We are also already looking for developers and teachers', says Hof. 'We see around us that automation in buildings is increasing. Well-trained technicians are needed to engineer and implement building automation projects. It is important that they have sufficient knowledge to be able to develop multidisciplinary automation concepts, but also to be able to realize them on a project basis. We see a task for the Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management in this. Bijman: 'He/she will soon be the proverbial spider in the web of the realization process and will have to deal with various technical disciplines in the building. From his/her role, he/she will manage the various engineers of the separate disciplines, such as climate technology, access control, lighting, etc. In a project, the Lead Engineer will be the engineer/designer and the System Architect will have the final responsibility. It is therefore important that they know each other's field of expertise well. That is why the Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management course is being coordinated in terms of content with the System Architect course. This creates a continuous learning path, from MBO to PHBO.' The development of the course is partly made possible by OTIB, the training and development fund of the Installation Sector.

Point of contact

The specific content of the function Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management is the development and engineering of the automation concepts designed by the system architect. This involves all kinds of tasks, such as monitoring, reporting and ensuring timely project execution. Communication is also important; the Lead Engineer Building Automation and Management is the point of contact for all parties. The new training focuses primarily on the technical aspects of Building Automation. 'The training is intended for technicians who work at companies in measurement and control technology, installation companies, consultancy firms', says Martin Hof, 'or possibly as a technical building manager.' Jos Bijman continues: 'A wide range of subjects will be covered in ten days of lessons. 'It concerns engineering of building automation with knowledge of web applications, software, IoT, networks, ICT, security, data processing and sustainable building management and energy management. Because the integration of the various disciplines is crucial for building automation systems, a lot of attention will be paid to this.'

Learning goals

'A certain basic knowledge and level is required, because it is a post-vocational training', says Hof. 'The learning objectives are partly technical in terms of content, but the student is also expected to do something in the analytical and strategic areas. In addition to theoretical lessons, the training will also consist of carrying out assignments. The specific learning objectives that we have established are quite challenging. They involve knowledge of various (web) application forms and data exchange between applications, and knowledge of ICT networks for the integration of building automation within the ICT network. But also knowledge of sustainable management and maintenance and the argumentation and application of the required energy monitoring. Bijman: 'But it goes further. A Lead Engineer must be able to draw up a functional design for building automation, be aware of procedures for ICT security and apply them, and be able to handle data. Furthermore, it is important that he/she can make a comparison between digital platforms/protocols and argue for a choice made, can assess and analyze the PvE Building Automation and the applicable information, and finally can specify the required hardware and building automation components and assess their applicability. All in all, it is quite something! Anyone who completes this training in the future will have sound knowledge and expertise in the field of building automation.'