The BMS Skills Shortage is Your Career Advantage
- Al Vickers

- Apr 23
- 3 min read

The BMS industry is facing a major skills shortage, and while that presents challenges for employers, it creates a significant career advantage for skilled engineers. As smart buildings and energy optimisation become more critical in the push for sustainability and operational efficiency, the demand for experienced BMS engineers has surged outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.
For engineers working in the field, this shift is more than just a market trend it’s a unique opportunity to accelerate your career, secure better compensation, and take control of your professional development. Companies are recognising the value of skilled engineers and are changing the way they attract and retain talent. The days of slow career progression and limited training opportunities are over.
Why the Skills Gap Exists
The BMS sector has been growing steadily for years, but the pace of technological advancement and the rise of smart buildings have rapidly increased the complexity of the field.
The growing demand for energy-efficient buildings and reduced carbon footprints means that more systems need to be integrated and optimised.
Technologies like Tridium’s Niagara Framework, machine learning, and data-driven automation require specialised knowledge that wasn’t part of traditional BMS training.
An ageing workforce and a shortage of new talent entering the industry have created a gap that’s difficult to fill quickly. As a result, companies are now competing for skilled BMS professionals, driving up both demand and value for experienced engineers.
How Companies Are Responding
To combat the skills shortage, forward-thinking companies are changing how they approach hiring and retaining talent. They understand that offering competitive salaries is no longer enough engineers want clear career progression, training, and a say in their professional future.
1. Faster Career Progression
Gone are the days of waiting years for a step up. Companies are fast-tracking promotions to keep their best people engaged and motivated. If you have the right skills and show potential, you could find yourself climbing the career ladder much faster than in previous years.
2. Structured Training Programs
Employers are investing heavily in training to develop and retain top talent. This includes:
Tridium and Niagara certifications
Advanced analytics using platforms like SkySpark
Cybersecurity and IoT training
Leadership and management development
These programs are designed not only to upskill engineers but also to increase long-term retention. The more valuable you become to the business, the more incentive there is to keep you.
3. Customised Career Roadmaps
In the past, career progression in BMS followed a fairly rigid path. Now, employers are offering more personalised development plans, tailored to your strengths and professional goals.
Companies are listening to what engineers want whether it’s focusing on technical mastery, moving into project management, or specialising in a particular technology stack. If you have a clear career goal, chances are there’s an employer willing to create a path to get you there.
What This Means for Your Career
The skills shortage in BMS has shifted the power dynamic in favour of engineers. You’re no longer at the mercy of slow career progression or limited training budgets. If your current employer isn’t giving you a clear development path or investing in your growth, there are plenty of others who will.
This means you have options:
If you feel like you’ve hit a ceiling in your current role, it might be time to explore new opportunities.
If your employer isn’t offering regular training or technical development, you could be falling behind competitors in the market.
If your career path feels vague or uncertain, a company offering a structured roadmap could give you the direction you need.
Why VIGO Recruitment is Your Best Move
At VIGO, we specialise in smart buildings, BMS, and energy optimisation. We understand the challenges of the skills gap and the opportunities it creates for engineers.
Our industry expertise means we work with the companies that are leading the charge in talent development. We know which businesses are investing in their people, offering fast-tracked progression, and providing the kind of training and career support that sets you up for long-term success.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the current market, now is the time to make your move. Don’t settle for a role that’s not helping you reach your potential there are employers out there who are willing to invest in you.
Conclusion
The BMS skills shortage is more than just a challenge for employers—it’s an opportunity for you to take control of your career. The market is in your favour, and the right role could be just a conversation away.
At VIGO, we help skilled engineers find roles with companies that offer more than just a paycheck they offer a future. Let’s find the right fit for you.
👉 Get in touch with VIGO today and take the next step in your career.





