4th April 2025 ABM champions seventh intake of junior engineers
ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has launched its seventh annual student STEM programme.
Working in partnership with The Talent Foundry, Facilitate Now! will see 120 students gain a behind‑the‑scenes look into STEM careers with a focus on facilities management and engineering as well as essential workplace skills and confidence‑building.
ABM’s commitment to investing in future technical talent forms part of the strategic growth plan spearheaded by Richard Sykes, SVP and President of ABM UK and Ireland.
With both Facilities Management and apprenticeships suffering from a perception issue, Facilitate Now! plays a key role in capturing the imagination of the next generation and developing the core technical and soft skills needed to excel in industry.
The flagship initiative also forms part of ABM’s continued commitment to community engagement, a key pillar of the company’s renewed, customer‑centric Corporate Responsibility strategy for FY25.
Beyond the JEEP
Supported by national social mobility charity, The Talent Foundry, Facilitate Now! has evolved from ABM’s Junior Engineer Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P.) which has run for the last six years. Facilitate Now! continues J.E.E.P.’s aim of improving social mobility for young people in underserved schools. The programme is delivered by facilitators from The Talent Foundry and supported by ABM volunteers who attend sessions to mentor and support students.
The programme is designed for Year 8 and 9 students, aged between 12 and 14 years old, reaching six schools across London, Birmingham and Bradford.
Building on last year’s scheme, the 2025 intake will learn about a variety of facilities solutions enabling students to exercise creativity, take on a leadership role and problem solve as a team. The hands‑on classroom workshops, supported by ABM volunteers, are supplemented by field trips to ABM client facilities, such as Manchester’s Corn Exchange and the London Transport Museum, where subjects like electricity, lighting, HVAC, front of house and sustainability are brought to life.
Richard Sykes, SVP and President of ABM UK and Ireland, says:
“Facilitate Now! and its predecessor, the J.E.E.P. scheme, are a key part of our strategic plan at ABM and every year we look forward to working with The Talent Foundry to welcome our next cohort of students.
“As well as opening their eyes to the many, varied opportunities offered by the Facilities Management industry, the scheme works to establish apprenticeships as a rewarding, fulfilling and boundless career path.
“At ABM, it’s everyone’s responsibility to support social mobility, encourage the next generation to reach their full potential and help secure a stable future for industry.”
Cate Smith, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at The Talent Foundry, says:
”We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with ABM as we launch Facilitate Now! - the evolution of the Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P.). Now in its seventh year, this initiative continues to ignite interest in STEM careers, facilities management, and engineering, providing hands‑on experiences for Year 8 and 9 students.
"By working with six schools across the country and offering both in‑school sessions and real‑world experiences at ABM client sites like the Corn Exchange in Manchester and the London Transport Museum, we are ensuring that young people gain valuable insights into these vital industries. ABM's commitment to developing future talent is clear, and we look forward to another year of collaboration.”
Jad, a student who took part in last year's programme, says
When I think of apprenticeships, I think of my future and how good it might be.