BCIA welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to technical education

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to giving technical education the same status and recognition as traditional academic routes, creating clearer pathways into skilled careers and strengthening connections between education and industry from an earlier age. The Government's focus on technical skills, employer engagement and work-ready learning reflects an approach that is already delivering success within the building controls sector.

Over recent years, the building controls industry has been demonstrating the value of technical education through the successful delivery of the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship, that provides a clear route into a highly skilled, SusTech profession. More recently, employers across the sector have also embraced T Levels, helping students gain meaningful industry experience and practical workplace skills while building awareness of career opportunities within building controls.

As buildings become smarter, more connected and more energy efficient demand continues to grow.  These careers combine engineering, digital technology, data and sustainability, placing building controls at the heart of the UK's net zero transition.

Catherine Walker, Executive Officer of the BCIA commented: "We welcome the Prime Minister's recognition that technical careers can be as valuable as academic pathways. Our industry has already seen the benefits that high-quality technical education can deliver through the Level 4 BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship which is successfully delivering a high-quality pipeline of talented engineers, and more recently, through engagement with T Levels. These programmes are helping to attract and develop the skilled individuals our industry needs while providing young people with routes into rewarding, long-term careers.

Building controls is a profession for the future, combining technology, engineering and sustainability to make buildings intelligent. It’s a sector where skills are in high demand so it’s vital that young people can clearly see the opportunities available. The BCIA looks forward to supporting the Government's ambitions and helping create even stronger pathways into careers in Building Controls and BEMS."