The UK has ambitious plans to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings, accelerate decarbonisation and reduce carbon emissions across the built environment. But with the construction industry facing a significant skills shortage, who will deliver the buildings we need for a more sustainable future?

According to the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) latest Construction Workforce Outlook, the UK construction industry will need an average of 41,200 additional workers every year between 2026 and 2030 to meet expected demand.

It's a challenge that goes well beyond recruitment. With experienced professionals leaving the industry and growing pressure to improve the performance of new and existing buildings, developing the next generation of skilled engineers is increasingly important.

The Government's Autumn Budget has brought renewed attention to the issue, with a commitment to expand local apprenticeship services and introduce a minimum 3% apprenticeship workforce requirement on large government construction and infrastructure projects. While these measures are welcome, businesses themselves have an important role to play.

With Green Careers Week underway, it's a timely opportunity to consider how the industry can attract and develop the engineers needed to deliver more sustainable, better-performing buildings.

Why the skills gap matters for building performance

Building services engineering has changed considerably over the past 25 years. Energy efficiency, carbon reduction and operational performance now influence almost every aspect of building design, placing greater demands on the engineers responsible for making these systems work.

Designing efficient heating and ventilation systems, integrating renewable technologies or upgrading electrical infrastructure requires more than technical knowledge. Engineers need to understand how different systems interact, how buildings are used and how design decisions affect performance over time.

This is particularly important when it comes to existing buildings. Retrofitting an occupied commercial property, for example, involves balancing energy improvements with the limitations of existing infrastructure, operational requirements and available budgets.

Getting these decisions right can make a substantial difference to energy consumption, running costs and the long-term performance of a building. Getting them wrong can result in costly alterations, inefficient systems and missed opportunities to reduce carbon emissions.

As demand for retrofit and decarbonisation grows, so too does the need for engineers with the experience and practical judgement to deliver effective solutions.

Encouraging the next generation into engineering

One of the challenges facing the industry is helping young people understand what a career in building services engineering actually involves.

While many will be familiar with architecture or traditional construction trades, fewer may appreciate the role engineers play in creating comfortable, efficient and sustainable buildings. Yet it's a profession that offers enormous variety, from developing energy strategies for commercial developments to improving the performance of existing buildings and integrating new technologies.

Giving young people the chance to experience this work first-hand can make a real difference. School placements, T Levels, graduate opportunities and degree apprenticeships provide valuable routes into the industry, allowing students to see how their learning translates into real projects and giving them a clearer understanding of the careers available.

For employers, these opportunities also provide a chanceto develop future talent and pass on the practical knowledge that takes yearsto acquire.

25 years of supporting future engineers

At Green Building Design, encouraging young people into engineering has been part of our approach since we established the business in 2001.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, we're proud of the opportunities we've provided for young people considering a career in the industry. Over the past 25 years, we've supported more than 90 school and sixth-form work placements, 12 graduates, nine degree apprentices and two T Level students.

Behind these figures are young people who have had the opportunity to experience building services engineering first-hand, understand how projects develop and see the technical decisions involved in designing the systems that keep buildings running.

Simon Green, Director at Green Building Design, comments:

‍"Over the past 25 years, we've seen huge changes in building services engineering, particularly in the way sustainability and energy performance influence design. But one thing that hasn't changed is the need for good engineers with strong technical knowledge and practical experience. We've always believed in giving young people the chance to see what the industry is really about. Whether it's a school placement, an apprenticeship or a graduate role, that first experience can make a real difference to someone's career. As an industry, we talk a lot about the skills shortage, but we also need to do something about it. If we want talented engineers in the future, we have to be prepared to invest time in developing them today."

Turning ambition into action

The scale of the skills challenge means there is no single solution. Government investment, education and training programmes all have an important part to play, but progress also depends on employers making a commitment to developing talent.

For engineering consultancies, that doesn't necessarily mean establishing large training programmes. Offering a work placement, supporting a degree apprentice or giving a graduate the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals can all make a difference.

There is also a wider business case. As the industry evolves and experienced engineers approach retirement, developing younger talent helps retain valuable knowledge, strengthen technical capabilities and ensure businesses are equipped to meet changing client requirements.

The next generation of building services engineers will be responsible for tackling some of the industry's most complex challenges, from decarbonising existing commercial properties to designing buildings that use less energy and perform better throughout their lives.

As we mark 25 years in business, our experience has shown us that developing future engineers isn't simply about addressing today's skills shortage. It's about ensuring the industry has the expertise to meet tomorrow's challenges.

The UK's ambitions for greener, better-performing buildings will only become a reality if we have the skilled engineers to deliver them.

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