BEMS Controls Apprentices: Helping create safe and better buildings
The skills shortage facing the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry means there is an increasing importance on the encouragement and nurturing of young engineers at the start of their careers.
With the National Apprenticeship Week running from 10th February to 16th February, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) sat down with apprentice BMS engineer, Charlie Parnell – who works in the Projects team at System Five, a 4energy group company – to discuss the benefits of his apprenticeship.
Nearing the completion of his training programme, Charlie has undertaken a whole raft of courses to support his apprenticeship and believes his training has helped him truly understand the industry.
Q. What's your current role?
I’m a BMS apprentice engineer at System Five.
Q. How long have you worked in the BEMS industry?
I’ve been in the industry three and a half years.
Q. What made you decide to become an apprentice?
I wanted to become a qualified engineer in an industry that is experiencing strong growth, with a variety of paths to follow later in my career.
Q. How long was your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship lasted three years.
Q. What did you learn while you were an apprentice? How did the apprenticeship help you throughout your career?
In addition to the technical skills I’ve picked up, the apprenticeship taught me different ways of problem solving and to think analytically.
Q. If you hadn't joined an apprenticeship scheme, do you think you'd have ended up working in the building controls industry?
I wouldn’t have done, no. Even though my dad has been in the industry for many years, I did not understand what it was that he does.
Q. Do you think being an apprentice made it easier for you to develop your skills and understand the industry better? If so, how?
Yes, the apprenticeship has taught me the industry from the ground up so that I understand the ideas behind what we do. That way, nothing is assumed.
Q. Why do you think apprenticeship schemes are important for the construction industry?
Over time, the apprenticeship route has been proven to be good for the construction industry as it not only ensures that everyone knows what they are doing, but also, most importantly, makes sure they can do it safely in what can be a very dangerous environment.
Q. What would you say to someone considering becoming an apprentice?
An apprenticeship is a good way to learn and earn at the same time, with a good balance of written and practical work on-site that can lead to an interesting and varied career.
