BEMS Controls Apprentices: Opening doors to long-term career growth

With the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry facing a skills shortage, the National Apprenticeship Week, running from 10th February to 16th February, is the ideal time to focus on the young talent in the industry and what can be done to encourage more to start careers in the sector.   

Charlie Aubrey, a Project Engineer in the Digital Energy Division at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significant and positive impacts that an apprenticeship scheme had on his career and why it’s a highly useful option for anyone keen to take their first steps in the building controls and automation industry.   

Q. What's your current role?

I’m a Project Engineer.

Q. How long have you worked in the BEMS industry?

I’ve worked in the building automation industry for six and a half years.

Q. What made you decide to become an apprentice?

I was studying my A-Levels and wanted to continue my learning but wanted to start working full-time. An apprenticeship offered the perfect opportunity to do this and it’s a decision I haven’t regretted starting an apprenticeship in the BMS Industry. I started at Schneider Electric and studied alongside a degree in Integrated Engineering.

Q. How long was your apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship lasted five years.

Q. What did you learn while you were an apprentice? How did the apprenticeship help you throughout your career?

During my apprenticeship, I worked primarily in the Projects team, where I was commissioning, writing software, and creating graphics for a variety of jobs across the region. I had the opportunity to work with talented engineers as well as other apprentices on some exciting projects which helped me in becoming a commissioning engineer and recently stepping up to a Project Engineer role.

Q. Do you think being an apprentice made it easier for you to develop your skills and understand the industry better? If so, how?

Oh, 100%. Having a chance to learn on the job gives you a better understanding of the BMS industry and allows you to become a well-rounded engineer. On top of this, BCIA courses 1 – 6 were a great opportunity to increase my HVAC knowledge and I’ve completed the BCIA Inspired Leaders course which has been impactful on my development. An apprenticeship opens doors to long-term career growth – you can network with industry experts and gain qualifications that will set you apart from others.

Q. What would you say to someone considering becoming an apprentice?

I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anybody considering one, it gives you a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning from professionals in the industry. Unlike traditional education, you can earn while you learn, while building valuable skills which will benefit you in the future.