Steadfast pursuit of excellence earns talented engineer prestigious award

Displaying an unwavering commitment to further the building controls industry through fresh perspectives and incredible dedication, Schneider Electric’s Anya Turner was a highly deserving winner of the 2024 BCIA Apprentice of the Year Award.

Showcasing her incredible enthusiasm for the sector while at the same time highlighting her consistent pursuit of academic excellence, Anya divides her time evenly between her studies and her client work.

In addition to spearheading a much-needed graphics transition on a crucial client site, Anya also takes the lead in incorporating innovative solutions that assist clients in meeting strict quality and sustainability standards. At the same time, the talented engineer is working towards a degree qualification through Schneider Electric’s apprenticeship programme.

While only having been in the industry for just two years, Anya’s confidence and expertise has gone from strength to strength. This is, according to Anya, in no small part down to the support and training she’s received from her colleagues at Schneider Electric.

She said: “I feel a great deal of recognition from this BCIA award for the work I’ve contributed over the past few years of my apprenticeship, it’s a huge honour and achievement to obtain and I’m proud of myself for doing so. Professionally, I’d say winning this award represents my company’s amazing apprenticeship programme. I couldn’t have been where I am today without the support from those in my company to guide me through it. I think my team along with my manager have been my biggest influence, a lot of what I’ve learned is thanks to them and their support; their drive and passion for engineering is inspiring, motivating me to continuously do my best.”

Seeking out additional learning opportunities, Anya frequently attends workshops and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). Taking a keen interest in the future of building controls, she actively participates in relevant forums, subscribes to industry publications, and networks with professionals to stay informed about best practices and emerging technologies.

Anya’s enthusiasm for the sector and determination to contribute to future advancements in building controls are demonstrated by her role as the graphics lead for a major client. Spearheading the graphics transition from Continuum to EBO, Anya was able to ensure that critical milestones were met while also substantially contributing to team revenue and profit and loss statements.

In addition to fulfilling immediate project needs, she also strategically incorporates innovative solutions that align with the evolving landscape of the building controls sector.

The success Anya has achieved in such a short period of time is testimony to not only her dedication but also the quality of training provided. Having studied as part of Schneider Electric’s Integrated Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Anya highlights the benefits of combining study with work experience.

She said: “Some advice I’d give to young aspiring engineers would be to look at work experience in engineering or going down a path of T-Levels or Apprenticeships where you’re able to get a combination of the practical hands-on work as well as the theory behind it. I find myself continuously learning every day still and having those practical experiences have really helped me understand better.”

Anya was nominated for the award by Bradley Hawes, Service Operations Manager at Schneider Electric. Bradley put Anya forward for the award due to Anya’s commendable communication and teamwork, along with her technical skills. He said: “From day one, Anya’s potential as a valuable asset to our industry was evident. Her proactive approach and quick grasp of new concepts made her an indispensable member of our team.

“She collaborates effortlessly, contributing ideas that enhance our collective work. Her positive mindset and readiness to face challenges make her not only a reliable team player but also an inspiration to colleagues. An exemplary instance of her capabilities is evident in her role as the graphics lead on a major transition project at one of our largest sites.”

BCIA President Stacey Lucas was on the judging panel and highlighted the incredible depth of young talent in the industry. She said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision as every one of the nominees had shown incredible dedication and commitment to furthering their expertise. However, Anya shone through, thanks to the great strides she’s made in such a short period of time. She’s playing a vital role in the incorporation of innovative solutions across the sector and has become an indispensable part of the team at Schneider Electric. It’s essential that we encourage more engineers like Anya into the industry.  Anya’s example shows what a rewarding career she is having already and the bright future she has ahead.”