BEMS Controls Apprentices: Ensuring the future of the sector today
With the building controls and automation sector, and the built environment as a whole, facing a skills shortage, the National Apprenticeship Week, running from 10th February to 16th February, is the ideal opportunity to focus on some of the talented young professionals beginning their careers.
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) recently sat down with Edward Owen, a Level 4 BCIA apprentice at Schneider Electric. Currently in the first year of his apprenticeship, Edward discussed his motives for becoming an apprentice and why the skills he’s learning now will benefit him for the rest of his career.
Q. What made you choose the BEMS Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship?
While looking for apprenticeships, I was working full-time in customer services. I was looking for an opportunity where I could learn something new and different, learning new skills in the process. The BEMS Level 4 Apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity to achieve this, especially as my education course is directly linked to the practical aspects of the role.
Q. Were you familiar with the building controls industry before starting the apprenticeship? If so, what interested you about it?
When starting my apprenticeship, I joined with no background knowledge of the industry or how BEMS fits into everyday life. However, this makes building controls much more interesting to me, as I have the chance to learn more from my education modules and the engineers I shadow. Having no experience wasn’t an issue for me when starting either, as the beginning of my apprenticeship focused on introducing me to BEMS and the industry.
Q. What does a typical day in your apprenticeship look like?
As an apprentice, a typical day involves shadowing on-site. It takes between 30 minutes to an hour to arrive at site, where I work with a BEMS engineer to inspect the equipment. This involves technical and mechanical tasks, including testing and software edits. I have had the opportunity to visit a wide range of customer sites, allowing me to experience different ways BEMS is organised. Two of my favourite sites I have visited are the Uni of Birmingham and Cadbury’s in Bournville.
Q. What aspects of the apprenticeship scheme have you found most engaging or rewarding?
Currently I have been an apprentice for five months, meaning I am still at the start of my journey. I have completed the first three education modules, where I have enjoyed learning more in-depth details about BEMS and my role. The most engaging aspects of my education have been learning about the technical side of BEMS and how plant equipment is set up for building controls. I have also found my reviews with my skills coach rewarding, as I have the opportunity to talk about my experiences and make presentations on important aspects of being an apprentice.
Q. Are there any parts of the apprenticeship scheme that have been particularly challenging? If so, how have you overcome them?
I’d say that a challenge I have experienced is figuring out how being an apprentice works. I have created a balance between the education and practical sides of my apprenticeship, using time management to overcome this. By making sure I have time to work on my education and reports, I have been able to put more attention into my work and gain much more confidence.
Q. What specific skills have you developed through the apprenticeship?
During my apprenticeship, I have been able to develop a wide range of skills. These range from communication skills (talking to lots of different people and building an internal network) to administrative skills (time management and completing reports). I have also been able to become an active listener, engaging myself while shadowing to learn as much as possible from my colleagues and BEMS as a whole.
Q. How do you see this apprenticeship scheme helping you achieve your long-term career goals?
After I have completed my apprenticeship, I aim to work within BEMS and use the skills I have gained as an apprentice to positively improve myself in the future. I am enjoying my education, and the fact that it links directly to my role gives me confidence in developing the practical skills I need to succeed.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would say that a great way to be an apprentice is to ask questions. If you’re unsure about something, the best thing is to take initiative and ask someone. It will show that you’re interested in the role, as well as gain valuable knowledge whenever possible. Take the opportunity to learn extra details, and chat with colleagues to build your network.
As an apprentice, having the more people around you the better, as you can learn more in different ways that can go well with your education modules. I would also recommend taking as many opportunities as possible, volunteering for whatever is interesting to you. You’ll be able to widen your network, as well as improve on communication skills.