Get Sust! Issue 44

CAREERS ADVICE

Advice from the experts

Mike McNally, Business Director at Hays Building Services, provides an overview of the building services market and looks at the opportunities for professionals with sustainability experience.

The economic climate has led to intense competition for jobs, with the ratio of applicants to available jobs having increased significantly. Sustainability experience is an important skill set in the current environment and the demand is set to grow in the future given the government’s agenda to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of new and existing public buildings – indeed over 40% of respondents in a recent Hays survey in association with the CIBSE Journal revealed that sustainability would have the biggest impact on the industry over the next five years.

Low carbon consultants, for example, advise on the design and operation of commercial buildings to meet the highest energy efficiency standards and can subsequently qualify and attain the Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) grade. Individuals with knowledge of low carbon systems are not only highly sought after but can generate project work for consultancies, which is so important given the downturn. Sustainability skills can be easily transferred from the private to the public sector, as buildings of a certain size need to conform to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and have appropriate Display Energy Certificates (DECs). Indeed, the public sector has remained resilient and there are opportunities for experienced individuals, particularly in the health and education sectors, for example the extensive investment in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Qualifications and chartership are now more important than ever, and employers are looking for people who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to the building services industry. Organisations are looking for professionals who can push their business forward and want to see evidence of the projects that have been worked on, the individual’s direct involvement and how they have added value to their business.

Prior experience and innovative examples of the implementation of energy saving technology should always be included when applying for sustainability jobs. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is another important consideration in the current market, and jobseekers should take every opportunity to boost their knowledge base and enhance their CVs; trade organisations such as the CIBSE, HVCA and the ECA hold monthly meetings across the UK and provide excellent networking opportunities.

 

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For further information, contact Mike McNally, Business Director at Hays Building Services on 0191 222 0044 or visit www.hays.com/buildingservices