18 November 2021
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The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) that took place in Glasgow at the start of November demonstrated the passion and determination of the younger generation to make a real difference in ensuring the future health of the planet, according to the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA).
The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. While leading politicians and celebrities dominated the headlines, what caught BCIA President Terry Sharp's eye was the genuine engagement of young climate leaders from groups such as YOUNGO, Global Youth and Youth4Climate. Mr Sharp also believes that their initiatives are helping to inspire school leavers to consider a career path that will enable them to make a positive difference to the environment around them.
Sharp said: "COP26 and its aims and objectives captured the minds of many, but perhaps the most alert to the situation facing us are those who are inheriting the planet from our generation. Energy efficiency in buildings is one of the biggest factors affecting climate change, and the building controls sector has a vital role to play in creating a greener built environment."
The first two BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship programmes were fully booked, and Mr Sharp believes this is a promising sign for the future. He added: "The engineers of tomorrow are learning from mistakes we've made in the past and are more aware that the technology that goes into buildings today will have a significant bearing on their environmental credentials, and this has been reflected in the number of people signing up for the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship."
The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Standard is a three-year technical training programme delivered through Group Horizon, the BCIA's official training partner. Isabel Lamb, a BEMS Apprentice at AIMTEQ, is among the first cohort of apprentices on the programme. She said: "I have always been fascinated about engineering and enjoy problem-solving. I didn't really know much about the BEMS industry until last year when I was given the opportunity to do work experience with AIMTEQ. Following this experience, I enjoyed learning how to communicate with controllers, creating graphics and meet new customers. This year I was offered an apprenticeship with AIMTEQ. With the course and the support from Group Horizon and BCIA, I have found the modules both interesting and challenging."
Further information about the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Standard visit: https://bcia.co.uk/training/trailblazer/
