INDUSTRY COMMENT
Addressing the skills shortage in building automation
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Having increased lobbying efforts in the past couple of years, helping to bring building automation policy closer to the forefront, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is keen to develop a strong working relationship with the new Labour administration
hile the new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has plenty on his plate already, BCIA president Stacey Lucas believes it is vital that the association and the
building automation sector maintain close links with major policy-makers to ensure that awareness of the importance of building automation is increased. This is especially pertinent given the construction industry as a whole is currently facing a large skills shortage. Indeed, the Construction Industry Training Board recently revealed the need for an extra 251,500 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet the expected levels of work. Taking a keen interest in the creation of opportunities and ensuring more people, both inside and outside the industry, are aware of the exciting and rewarding career prospects available to any budding BEMS and engineering professionals, the BCIA will look to collaborate with politicians and industry leaders to encourage talent into the industry. However, before doing that, it’s important to understand just why there is currently a skills shortage in the UK construction industry. In recent years, the building automation sector has faced a number of challenges, all of which have led to the current skills gap. For instance, a report by the Financial Times revealed that only 713,000 people were registered as apprentices in 2021, the lowest
total since 2010. Furthermore, research carried out by Savanta ComRes highlighted a lack of interest among young people in beginning careers in the built environment, with only 5% showing any desire to do so. Additionally, while a surge in investment may be an encouraging sign for the industry as a whole, the previous government’s housing initiatives have resulted in a surge in demand for skilled workers. The new Labour government’s targets of one and a half million new homes built within the first five years in power will also exacerbate this demand even further. Finally, an ageing workforce has also played a key role in the current skills shortage. Indeed, according to recent data, more than 35% of construction workers are aged over 50. So, with many of the older and more experienced workers looking to exit the industry within the next decade, there may not be enough fresh talent entering the profession to replace them. What can the BCIA and the government do to bridge the skills gap? There is sadly very little awareness about the importance of building automation and the vital role it can play in the decarbonisation of UK buildings. This is not only the case among key policy-makers but also recent school graduates or those leaving university. Furthermore, many people outside the industry don’t understand the many rewarding opportunities that BEMS and engineering careers can provide.
With that in mind, it’s absolutely imperative that the BCIA, industry leaders, and the new Labour government work together to encourage more talented professionals into the sector, not just for the benefit of the built environment but also the UK as a whole. One of the ways in which all of us can do this is through a combined focus on the recruitment and training of young talent. This could be anything from developing apprenticeship programmes through to increasing the number of available work placements or better promotion of the exciting opportunities available throughout the building automation sector and the wider construction industry.
Additionally, it’s vital that the BCIA and the government work together to identify ways in which skilled workers can be retained. Companies throughout the building controls sector should ensure they are providing attractive paths for career development and a supportive work environment. To help workers remain motivated and engaged, continuous professional development and taking advantage of upskilling opportunities will need to be focused on.
By having a clear focus on not only recruiting and training young engineers and BEMS specialists, but also retaining them by ensuring clear career progression, the BCIA and the new government can help to bridge the skills gap and ensure a brighter future for the building controls industry.
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Build your project on trust. 21/6/24 15:43 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2024 9
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