Blog: Dare to discover the future of BEMS

BCIA President, Stacey Lucas explores why employers should engage with campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (10th-14th November) to help promote careers in the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) sector.

Encouraging the next generation to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has never been more vital. Our industry is evolving at pace, and that is why campaigns such as Tomorrow’s Engineers Week that shine a light on the incredible opportunities within STEM, and more specifically building energy management systems (BEMS), play a crucial role in ensuring our sector’s long-term success.

Across the UK, the need for skilled young professionals in engineering and technology has never been greater. Recent studies suggest that the country will require hundreds of thousands of additional engineers and technicians over the next decade to meet the demands of net zero targets and the digital transformation of our built environment. It’s clear that we must inspire and attract fresh talent to help deliver this ambitious vision.

Taking place 10th-14th November, This year’s Tomorrow’s Engineers Week “Dare to Discover” theme perfectly captures what our industry needs right now. For young people, it’s an invitation to explore the exciting, impactful world of BEMS, a sector that sits at the heart of smart, sustainable, and human-focused buildings. From harnessing data to improve energy performance, to creating workplaces that enhance wellbeing and productivity, a career in building controls offers the chance to make a tangible difference every single day.

But this theme isn’t just for young people. It’s also a challenge to our industry’s leaders - to dare to discover new ways of engaging, supporting, and nurturing the next generation. We must be creative in how we showcase the value and purpose of BEMS careers, ensuring that young people can see clear pathways, role models, and opportunities for growth.

At the BCIA, we’ve seen first-hand how empowering young engineers benefits not only individuals but the entire sector. Through initiatives like our Young Engineers Network (YEN) and our training and apprenticeship programmes, we’re helping to equip new entrants with the technical skills and industry insight they need to thrive.

However, attracting young people into STEM careers starts well before they reach the workplace. That’s why campaigns that reach into schools, colleges and universities are so important. They allow us to spark curiosity, to show that engineering and technology aren’t just about numbers and systems, they’re about solving problems, improving lives and shaping a more sustainable world.

The BEMS industry is built on innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to a smarter, greener future. As we continue to transform how buildings perform and how people experience them, we must ensure that young people are part of this journey from the very beginning.

So, whether you’re a student considering your future, an employer looking to build your team, or an industry leader seeking to inspire change, now is the time to dare to discover. Together, we can unlock new talent, fresh perspectives, and the innovative thinking our sector needs to thrive in the decades ahead.