FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) Young Engineers Network (YEN) has grown and developed hugely in recent years under the leadership of its inaugural Chair Greg Smith, and now following the appointment of a highly experienced and driven new Chair and Vice Chair, the Network is committed to supporting and nurturing talented professionals even further.
The Young Engineers Network is aimed at those under the age of 35 in technically biased roles within the BEMS industry and provides learning, networking and peer-to-peer support.
Following a comprehensive election process Josh Steel, Support Division – Sales Manager at Electracom, and Stan Thomas, UK South Sales Manager at Sontay Ltd, have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.
Having worked in the building energy management systems (BEMS) industry for over a decade, Steel brings expertise and experience as Chair of the YEN. His career has progressed apace, initially working as a BMS Electrical Installer before climbing the ranks to become a BMS Sales Engineer and, more recently, a Sales Manager.
Keen to build a positive built environment for everyone to enjoy, Steel said: “For those that know me, know how much I love this industry, it is a great privilege to be able to give something back to the engineers of our future, and I am honoured to head up this great Network for Young Engineers in the BEMS industry.
“Having attended the very first BCIA YEN event, I knew from that day that it had the potential to be something special and I instantly wanted to get involved and share my ideas and visions of what it could be. As Chair, my aim is to grow and develop the YEN, helping to increase awareness so that everyone knows about it and has access to it.”
Specialising in optimising HVAC and BMS and focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and seamless integration to drive the future of smart buildings, Vice Chair Thomas is motivated by a vision to bring fresh energy and focused support to young engineers, strengthening their professional networks, knowledge, and confidence in the industry.
He said: “Having found my path into the BEMS sector somewhat by chance, I’m now committed to building a robust YEN community that not only attracts but also retains young talent through a network grounded in shared knowledge, professional growth, and community.
“My goal is to build a vibrant, well-connected, and empowered YEN, supporting the growth of our industry from the ground up. By leveraging my role at Sontay and my industry contracts, I aim to connect YEN and BCIA more closely, creating a supportive network that promotes mentorship and knowledge-sharing across generations.”
BCIA President Stacey Lucas said the future of the YEN was incredibly strong and highlighted the important role that Steel, Thomas, and others will play. She said: “Stan and Josh were both superb candidates with YEN members selecting their new leadership to take the YEN forward. They bring incredible expertise and drive to the YEN and we look forward to working alongside them in the years to come.
“There is an incredible depth of young talent in the industry and the YEN is a vital way of nurturing and encouraging that talent through knowledge-sharing and growing a supportive network.”
