IFMA, AFE, ASHRAE, ISSA announce intent to collaborate on comprehensive FM training framework

Tuesday, March 19th, 2019

The new Facility Management (FM) Training and Development Framework introduced in January by the IFMA Foundation has attracted participation from leading industry associations including the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), ASHRAE and ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association). As more industry leaders add their professional development services to the framework with IFMA’s world-class suite of professional credentials, the goal of establishing holistic guidelines for FM training — particularly in the technical fields — is becoming a reality.

“In the future, the industry will categorize FM training tools in two ways: those that are a part of the big-picture framework and those that haven’t caught up,” said the chair of IFMA’s global board of directors, Graham Tier, CFM, FMP, MRICS. “On behalf of IFMA, I want to congratulate AFE, ASHRAE and ISSA for their bold vision and decisive action to be among the first to align with this pioneering framework. Because FM professionals, who oversee complex teams with varied skill sets, have long demanded exactly this sort of guidance, and I’m confident that this is just the first wave of adoption.”

The framework, which features training and professional development options from a syndicate of associations, will ultimately provide seamless guidance and resources for the entire operational life cycle of the built environment. Team leads and hiring executives, using the framework, will be able to confidently train existing staff or hire new staff with industry-validated skills to fill defined roles.

Within the larger context of the framework — available for download here — AFE will provide training, education and certifications for facility engineers; ASHRAE will offer its expertise in the category of HVAC and building energy controls; and ISSA will offer its training products for cleaning operation.

“ASHRAE is pleased to collaborate on this groundbreaking training,” said 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J. Hayter, P.E. “Through the development of this framework, facilities management professionals will be equipped to demonstrate outstanding expertise in the areas of HVAC&R and building energy controls and approach their responsibilities with greater knowledge, improved efficiency and more confidence.”

“ISSA is excited to join forces with this select consortium of renowned FM organizations to develop a truly best-of-breed training standard” said John Barrett, Executive Director of ISSA. “Cleaning is an integral part of quality facility management and we’re happy to collaborate with such an esteemed collection of partners to set that standard moving forward.”

“Momentum is building as more and more organizations throw their weight behind the FM Training and Development Framework,” said IFMA Foundation Chair Nancy Johnson-Sanquist, IFMA Fellow. “These early adapters are setting the bar for the future of the FM industry and its component industries.”

About AFE

Established in 1915, the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) is a professional membership organization serving all professionals working in the built environment. AFE and its chapters are committed to providing the tools and resources to enhance the expertise and broaden the connections of facility management professionals worldwide. To learn more about AFE, visit www.afe.organd connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About ASHRAE
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global leader in the advancement of human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. As an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE and its members are committed to shaping tomorrow’s built environment today through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries. For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org and connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About ISSA

With more than 9,300 company members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, building-service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Botany, Australia; and Shanghai, China. Visit issa.com, call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800, join the discussion with ISSA’s LinkedIn group, and follow ISSA on our Facebook page and Twitter account.