ABBE appoints new research and development officer

Hayley Yarnell has been appointed to head research and development for the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) as it expands its provision and operational scope.

ABBE is currently developing new vocational qualifications for the construction, property and energy assessment sectors. These include an air conditioning energy assessment diploma, and a Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment to build upon the success of its recently launched Level 3 Certificate.

Ms Yarnell, who has worked for the specialist awarding body for the past year to support the delivery of its qualifications, will now take responsibility to search the viability of new awards. This role includes examining changes in legislation and preparing business cases for investment.

ABBE chief executive Roger Bishop said: "ABBE has experienced impressive growth over the last year, with thousands of candidates currently taking or having completed an ABBE qualification. Our strong relationships with industry bodies have helped us to develop a suite of qualifications that enable professionals in the built environment sectors to be responsive to changes in market forces.

"ABBE’s unique modular structure, for instance, allows candidates who have obtained an energy assessment qualification to use credit achieved in certain modules towards further energy qualifications. We believe that this unique structure, combined with the government recognition that all approved ABBE qualifications hold, makes ABBE the awarding body of choice for multi-skilled professionals."

Ms Yarnell added: "ABBE qualifications cover a broad footprint of the construction, property and energy assessment sectors. In today’s competitive marketplace, both employers and individuals understand that they need strong and relevant skill sets to succeed.

"I’ve enjoyed getting to know the community of professionals working within the industry. I’m looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships between employers and public sector bodies, in order to develop qualifications that recognise the skills of today’s industry professionals."

(Pictured: Hayley Yarnell, new ABBE research and development officer)