Empowering the next generation of female engineers

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.

Organised by the YEN and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Women in Building Services Engineering (WIBSE), the evening of panel debates and discussions brought together panellists from leading building services professional bodies and associations, such as BCIA Young Engineer of the Year and YEN member, Zoe Dickson, and BCIA Vice President Jen Vickers, to talk about how they are inspiring female professionals and the next generation.

The hugely important event, that took place in Manchester on Wednesday 18th June, featured two engaging panel sessions, entitled ‘Women in Engineering’ and ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’. Exploring the importance of inclusion, allyship, and innovation in shaping the future of engineering, the discussions sparked crucial conversations and empowered all in attendance to thrive in their respective disciplines while encouraging those that follow.

Jen Vickers, Vice President of the BCIA, sat on both panels and highlighted the importance of events like this focusing on increasing female representation in the industry. She said: “It’s important for women already in the industry to be visible in order to make it accessible for those who may not otherwise consider it as a career option – to quote the tennis player Billie Jean King, ‘You have to see it to be it.’

“There needs to be more visibility in schools and colleges, through delivering presentations and offering work placements to demonstrate to young women that it is a viable career path for them. Diversity of thought, from a wider range of presentations, leads to better problem-solving and more creative solutions.”

Kate O’Donnell, Business Development Manager, E-ON Controls and YEN regional lead for the North added: “Events like this spark inspiration, showing that women in BEMS aren’t just part of the future, they’re shaping it right now! This event matters because it’s all about real voices, real stories, and building a BEMS community where women thrive. It was brilliant to do this event alongside WIBSE, and YEN hope to do further collaborations with CIBSE that benefit both communities.”

Rachael Gilbert, WIBSE representative for CIBSE North West, co-organised the event and was delighted with the positive atmosphere created. She said: “The atmosphere was electric. The room was full of brilliant women and allies uplifting each other, sharing stories, and connecting through their experiences.

“The key takeaway was the importance, and potential, of connecting classrooms and companies. We left feeling energised to strengthen those links, making sure education and industry are working hand-in-hand to champion building services, future skills, and sustainable design. We’re now developing an event that opens up our world to teachers and asks how we can support them, their students and the curriculum.”

Find out more about the Young Engineers Network