Almost every conversation I have with facility executives inevitably leads to the topic of where to find future leaders and technicians as the industry braces for an expected wave of retirees in the coming years.
However, it’s beginning to look like many of tomorrow’s leaders are already here.
At the Honeywell Users Group event this summer, I had the opportunity to connect with Tahja Ingram, the facilities program manager at Tuskegee University in Alabama. During a chance encounter over lunch, she told me about a 10-week internship program she created that blends lessons about campus operations and leadership. She described the program as a win-win for the entire facilities team. Interns learned new skills and developed a professional confidence to take into the workplace. Meanwhile, the facilities team gained insights into the younger generation and a pipeline of talent already familiar with facility management and the organization’s culture.
Just last month at NFMT Remix in Orlando, I saw more young faces walking the show floors, attending education sessions and reaching out to their older peers for career advice. These newcomers were not afraid to jump into conversations with more experienced peers and share their stories about what they’ve learned in the industry.
As a trusted resource in the industry, we feel a responsibility to help find and develop the next generation of technicians and facility leaders. With NFMT East debuting in Charlotte in March 2026, we are planning FM 101, an educational track designed for new facility professionals. It promises to serve as a valuable resource for men and women in the early stages of their facilities career — let us know if there are any topics you think we should include.
For facility executives hoping to find the next wave of managers, encourage your promising young workers to join us in Charlotte. It’s a great opportunity to show them this great industry first-hand. To register for NFMT East, please click here.
Dave Lubach is the chief editor for the facilities market.
