It’s been an encouraging few years for women in the construction industry, with increasing numbers of female professionals beginning careers in BEMS. Focusing heavily on development and education, the building controls sector has been providing young females with greater opportunities to learn and develop BEMS and engineering skills.

A great example of this is Schneider Electric’s Anya Turner who was recently awarded 'Apprentice of the Year’ at the �鶹ԭ�� Awards 2024. Keen to start a career in an industry that pushes the boundaries of innovation and looks to create healthier and more energy efficient buildings, she joined the company as a Digital Energy Degree apprentice.

To celebrate the recent International Women in Engineering Day, the Building Controls Industry Association spoke to Anya about her experiences in the industry and what attracted her to a career in BEMS.

Having been an apprentice for three years, Anya revealed the importance and extent of the building controls industry had really opened her eyes to its significance when it comes to energy efficiency. She said: “Over the years, I have come to appreciate the role building controls has in driving efficient and sustainable buildings.

“Since starting my apprenticeship with Schneider Electric I’ve worked with our field engineering services team. In this position I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge and experience working with building energy management systems (BEMS). Working alongside my experienced colleagues, completing maintenance visits, and helping with smaller transition projects at our customer sites has aided in my growth and learning, enabling me to develop a greater understanding of the technical and operational parts of BEMS.

“During my time in the industry, I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop my technical knowledge. I most enjoy the problem-solving aspect that comes in my current role when resolving technical issues and having the ability to express my creativity through my work too.

“Being part of such a large community of like-minded individuals within this industry who are committed and passionate about engineering is so inspiring.”

Tackling the challenge of inexperience

As someone relatively inexperienced when it came to building controls and BEMS, Anya was encouraged by the support and advice given by not only those more experienced but her fellow apprentices, too. She said: “When I first started, one of the main challenges I faced was my inexperience, as I came from a non-engineering background. This made the transition to this new job role challenging at times as it was a very new, unfamiliar experience for myself. With the support and guidance from my team and fellow apprentices, overtime I became more comfortable and confident in my new skill set.

“The training and mentorship I received was a big help in overcoming these initial challenges and grow both personally and professionally in the industry.”

Even in just three years, the industry has made great strides

Anya continues: “There has always been a drive towards creating smarter buildings within the industry but over the past few years I’ve noticed a greater demand for smarter and more energy efficient building management systems, as more companies are looking to reduce their energy consumption and have set goals to achieve net zero.

“With my work particularly, there’s a push towards providing our customers with those newer BEMS, helping them meet their sustainability targets.”

The importance of breaking stereotypes

While Anya acknowledges that building controls offers young women a highly rewarding career, the industry needs to do more to educate and encourage them on the fascinating roles available. She said: “With the increasing focus around sustainability in the industry and the increasing concern of climate change, it’s rewarding knowing that the work you contribute and what the industry contributes aims to help create solutions for healthier, energy efficient buildings, helping businesses with decarbonisation and achieving their net zero targets.

“I also think it can be quite empowering working as a female in a male dominated field as it breaks stereotypes surrounding the industry and gives the opportunity of acting as a role model and inspiring future generations of women in the building controls industry.

“Companies in the industry should strive to create a more inclusive and supportive workspace for all employees and promote this culture amongst its existing employees. I often find in male dominated industries the designed job roles and work environments are typically tailored more towards their needs and preferences.

“As more women join the industry, I believe it’s important companies are actively adapting such roles to be inclusive and accommodating regardless of gender. Moving forwards, I hope there’s an increased diversity in the workplace, particularly with a greater representation of women in various roles throughout.”

While Anya’s story underlines how the building controls industry is making significant steps towards a more diverse and inclusive sector, there is still much more that can be done through further education, increased opportunities, and encouragement.  

The �鶹ԭ�� looks forward to playing its part in furthering these opportunities and increasing understanding of this fascinating and rewarding career.