Building controls: The career many don’t consider, but definitely should

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we’re focusing on those working in the BEMS industry and hear from Jessica Rees, Project Engineer, System Five.

Over the years, more and more women have been encouraged to take up careers in the rewarding and fascinating building controls sector. While the increase in female professionals shows a change in perspective in the industry, there is still much more that can be done to attract more women to begin BEMS and engineering careers.

Keen to shine a spotlight on just a few of the incredibly talented female professionals in the building controls industry, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) spoke to Jessica Rees, a Project Engineer at System Five, about her experiences in the sector.

Having only worked in the industry for four years, Jessica highlights the importance of training and support from experienced colleagues and a desire for learning.

She said: “I joined System Five in January 2020 and have been in the industry for four years. My first role in the industry was actually as administrative support for the projects team at System Five. This is where I gained the basic background knowledge surrounding the industry through handling documentation including technical submissions and operations and maintenance manuals.

“It became clear rather quickly after starting my administrative role that I was interested in developing my knowledge of building management systems and that I had an aptitude for learning how these systems are put together. I’ve progressed from Project Administrator to Project Co-ordinator, then onto Assistant Project Engineer. Finally, I’m glad to say I’m a fully-fledged Project Engineer. As a Project Engineer, I now design various Building Management Systems for all types of buildings and applications, from offices to laboratories.”

The importance of ongoing training and support

Jessica continues: “I think the most obvious challenge I faced when starting out as a newbie was that I had no knowledge or experience of the building controls industry. However, the team at System Five were incredibly supportive and helpful in terms of teaching and providing training, which has helped me get to the position I am in now. The industry is ever-changing and there are always new products, regulations, and technologies, so there is always something new to learn.

“By taking several training courses, including various BCIA courses, I have developed my knowledge, meaning I am able to effectively design Building Management Systems.”

“The career they never knew they could achieve”

As someone who came into the industry with no experience and started their career in administration, Jessica believes education and training are absolutely vital in increasing the number of female professionals in the sector. She said: “I think the industry needs to offer non-traditional ways of getting into the sector. Most people in the industry entered straight after education or apprenticeship and have certification/experience under their belts.

“However, there are going to be cases like me, where plenty of women who have entered the industry in administrative roles do not know they have the capacity or ability to work in an engineering role instead. I think it’s important that they are offered the opportunity to undertake training and education. It may be the career they never knew they could achieve.

“As energy efficiency and regulations become more commonplace and are enforced more stringently, I believe the building controls industry will thrive. My hopes are that more women are encouraged to enter the industry, and that during educational years when young women are trying to decide a path to take, they know a career in construction and engineering is a viable option and feel supported in their choice.”

Offering increased opportunities, encouragement, and education will see more talented female professionals like Jessica entering the industry and flourishing.

As one of the sector’s leading organisations, the BCIA looks forward to playing its part in furthering these opportunities and increasing understanding of this fascinating and rewarding career.