The CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) London STEM & Careers Event recently brought university students, graduates and aspiring engineers together at CIBSE Headquarters in London, offering practical advice, industry insights and opportunities to explore careers in building engineering and the wider built environment.
The event connected attendees with engineering consultancies, manufacturers, contractors and professional networks, helping them understand the breadth of opportunities available across the sector and the important role building engineers play in creating sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
Exploring career pathways and professional development
Across two sessions, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about potential career paths, meet industry professionals and gain a clearer understanding of the skills and experience needed to enter the profession.
The programme included career pathway panel discussions and a careers fair, providing opportunities to ask questions, hear directly from professionals and build valuable connections with potential employers and colleagues from across the industry.
Practical support was also a key part of the event. Carrington West led the CV clinic and interview workshops, helping attendees strengthen their applications and prepare for the recruitment process. Participants also received guidance on CIBSE membership and professional registration, gaining insight into how these routes could support their development and progression within the profession.
Connecting emerging talent with industry
The event featured a range of organisations representing different areas of the building engineering sector. Savills represented engineering consultancy, while Phoenix ME brought the perspective of mechanical contracting. Manufacturers Kampmann Ltd and Diffusion Group (Volution) also took part, showcasing the breadth of expertise and career opportunities across the industry.
The Society of Public Health Engineers (SoPHE) was also in attendance to promote its Young Engineers Network, highlighting opportunities for early-career professionals to engage with their peers, develop their knowledge and become more involved in the wider engineering community.
Through these conversations and networking opportunities, attendees were able to explore the different specialisms within building engineering and learn more about the organisations, professional networks and development pathways available to them.
Supporting the next generation of engineers
By bringing aspiring engineers together with experienced professionals and industry organisations, the CIBSE YEN London STEM & Careers Event helped bridge the gap between education and employment. It provided attendees with practical career guidance, new professional connections and a better understanding of how they could contribute to the future of the built environment.
Initiatives such as this are an important part of encouraging new talent into the profession, supporting early-career development and strengthening the skills pipeline needed to address the sector’s evolving challenges, from decarbonisation and energy efficiency to the delivery of healthier, more sustainable buildings.
Through the work of its Young Engineers Networks, CIBSE continues to support emerging professionals as they build their knowledge, develop their careers and help shape the future of building engineering.
