One of the most effective ways to address the engineering skills gap is through long-term investment in people.
Across the facilities management sector, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of creating clear pathways into the industry and developing talent from the ground up. Apprenticeships, mentoring, hands-on experience, and structured training programmes all play a vital role in helping future engineers build the skills needed to succeed.
At CMS, developing future talent is a core part of our growth strategy.
Through the CMS Academy, we are actively investing in the next generation of engineers, providing practical experience, technical training, and long-term career development opportunities across multiple disciplines within the business.
The challenge is significant. According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 76% of UK engineering employers are struggling to recruit for key roles, while EngineeringUK estimates that the country needs 124,000 new engineers and technicians every year to meet demand. As commercial buildings become more complex and technology-driven, attracting and developing the next generation of engineers has never been more important. - https://www.theiet.org/media/press-releases/press-releases-2025/press-releases-2025-october-december/6-october-2025-latest-uk-engineering-and-technology-skills-stats-2025
The CMS Academy: Developing the Future Workforce
The CMS Academy was established to help address one of the industry's biggest challenges - creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled engineers for the future.
Today, the Academy supports more than 60 apprentices across a variety of engineering and facilities management disciplines, making it a significant part of our long-term commitment to workforce development.
From HVAC and electrical engineering to gas, refrigeration, catering equipment, and Building Energy Management Systems (BeMS), apprentices gain real-world experience while working alongside experienced engineers and industry specialists.
The Academy provides a structured environment where individuals can develop technical knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence required to build successful careers within facilities management.
As CMS continues to grow, so too does our commitment to investing in future talent, with plans to further expand the Academy and create even more opportunities for aspiring engineers in the years ahead.
"The CMS Academy will be instrumental in developing the next generation of skilled engineers—enabling us to maintain the exceptional service our customers expect while directly addressing the industry’s skills shortage. It’s a forward-thinking approach that will carry CMS confidently into the next 25 years." - Nic Smith, Operations Director
https://www.cmsltd.co.uk/cms-academy
Creating Opportunities Beyond Apprenticeships
Developing talent doesn't stop once an apprenticeship is completed.
One of the key objectives of the CMS Academy is to provide long-term career pathways that allow individuals to continue developing throughout their careers.
As technologies continue to evolve across the FM sector, engineers need opportunities to expand their expertise, gain additional qualifications, and move into specialist areas of the business.
We've already seen this approach deliver results across CMS, with engineers progressing into new divisions and technical specialisms as opportunities emerge. By investing in continuous learning and development, we're helping build a workforce capable of supporting increasingly complex buildings and technologies.
Through the CMS Academy, we're committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers from all backgrounds. With women representing just 16.9% of the UK's engineering and technology workforce, encouraging greater diversity within the industry remains an important part of addressing the long-term skills shortage. - https://www.engineeringuk.com/research-and-insights/industry-and-workforce/women-in-engineering-and-diversity-challenges/
Looking to Start a Career in Engineering?
The CMS Academy provides aspiring engineers with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-recognised skills, and build long-term careers within facilities management and building services.
The engineering skills gap will not be solved through recruitment alone.
The industry needs businesses willing to invest in training, apprenticeships, mentoring, and long-term workforce development. Creating opportunities for young people to enter the sector while supporting continuous learning for existing engineers will be essential to meeting future demand.
With opportunities across HVAC, electrical, gas, refrigeration, catering equipment, BeMS, and more, the Academy is helping create the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.
To learn more about the CMS Academy and current opportunities, visit our website or speak to a member of the CMS team.
https://www.cmsltd.co.uk/about-us/careers
