As one of the building automation sector’s leading drivers of better female representation, the Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) Young Engineers Network (YEN) recently co-hosted the Together We Engineer event – a thought-provoking discussion on empowering women and the next generation.

The event featured more than four hours of networking, panel discussions, group activities, demonstrations of software and hardware platforms, and a building tour.

The building energy management systems (BEMS) sector, and the built environment as a whole, is currently facing a skills shortage. While the industry is doing everything it can to encourage new young professionals to take up careers in this highly rewarding and interesting world, we all have a major role to play in ensuring any new recruits, and any existing employees, are keen to continue in the sector for many years ahead.

BCIA’s latest market report finds the building energy management systems (BEMS) market saw an 8.4% quarter-on-quarter increase in Q1 2025

Taking place at ExCeL London on 15-16 October 2025, Smart Buildings Show is the UK’s only dedicated commercial smart buildings conference and exhibition.

As climate change accelerates, empowering the younger generation to drive real change, both for the built environment and the planet, has never been more important.