The importance of expanding knowledge of the building controls sector

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we’re focusing on those working in the BEMS industry and hear from Julie Turner, Training Support Manager, E.ON Control Solutions.

Despite the increasing numbers of female professionals in the building controls sector, many women still remain unaware of the exciting career opportunities on offer. To celebrate the recent International Women in Engineering Day and encourage more women to begin careers in BEMS and engineering, the Building Controls Industry Association is shining the spotlight on just a few of the talented female professionals who are breaking barriers in the sector.

As a newcomer to the industry, Julie Turner, a Training Support Manager at E.ON Control Solutions, underlined how important it is to help industry professionals of all levels of experience to reach their full potential. She said: “I’d never heard of the building controls industry before starting my career at E.ON Control Solutions, but I was definitely attracted to the role. For the last year, I’ve been working as a Training Support Manager.

“I have enjoyed being part of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group where we have made some changes, such as from adding an ‘our people’ section onto our website highlighting our employees being our greatest asset and then setting up an ‘our people’ email which is dedicated to communicating HR topics, wellbeing, diversity, and any other general company communications.  I think it’s important in any industry for people to feel safe and able to reach their full potential, whilst adding value to where they work.

“The industry is a bit like a dark art – when speaking to people about what I do, not many know or understand what the building controls industry does. However, I do think this is changing, or going to change, as there is such a focus on sustainability now.

Support and education are vitally important

With Julie having only worked in the industry for a year, understanding the sector and the challenges that come with it took a while, as she reveals. She said: “The challenges for me were about getting to understand the industry and after a year I am definitely still learning.  I went out for a day to a site to help and I am very lucky that my colleagues are at hand to answer any questions I may have. 

“I think another challenge is understanding that in this industry not one size fits all and to support our individuals there needs to be an ever-evolving training plan.”

A bright future

Despite a current skills shortage, Julie believes that the industry will expand in the coming years. She said: “I can see there will be many changes, especially as there is more focus on sustainability. There is a skills shortage within this industry, which will continue as technology is always evolving, so this causes more problems in gaining expertise.

“I think female professionals can add a different dynamic to the industry.  Women are more likely to collaborate and approach things differently. I think having a diverse group of people in any organisation is always beneficial, as we all have different approaches, which can spark fresh ways of doing things, which in turn can make even the smallest impact on any business.

“Education is going to be so important. There are a lot of teenagers that are leaving school not knowing what their chosen career will be. I think if we can get into schools earlier to introduce the Building Controls industry, we can tell them about the opportunities available.  At E.ON Control Solutions, we have a couple of colleagues that have applied to be a STEM Ambassador to visit schools, colleges, higher education institutions, and youth group organisations to promote the careers opportunities within the Building Controls Industry.

“As I said previously there is so much focus on the sustainability that I can really see the industry expanding.  With this I hope to see the next generation with more knowledge about the industry and the opportunities that arise. There are so many opportunities for people to develop and gain qualifications within the industry from T- Levels and the BEMS Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship, and for those more experienced there is also BEMS Experienced Worker Assessment. I also think it’s important for us to promote diversity to all business professionals so that any race, religion or gender feel that they have a career opportunity within the industry.

“I’m sure this will develop within the next five years to help expand the knowledge and skills of industry professionals and also encourage more people to find out more about what we do.”

As Julie’s story highlights, education, encouragement and offering increased opportunities are absolutely imperative if the industry wants to attract more female professionals to take up BEMS and engineering careers.

The BCIA looks forward to playing its part in furthering these opportunities and increasing understanding of this fascinating and rewarding career.