Shining a Spotlight on Young Engineer Network BCIA Award Winners

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in building controls?

Aarushi: I work as a software and commissioning engineer for Crown House Technologies. Eight years ago, I took a leap of faith and landed in the BMS industry, a field I knew little about at the time. It's been a fascinating journey ever since. 

Anya: Before starting my apprenticeship, I was studying Maths, Business and Creative Media in college. I greatly enjoyed aspects of each of these subjects, from the ability to creatively express myself to the problem-solving element found in maths and due to this I wanted to work somewhere technically challenging, where I could use my creative expression to solve complex issues which reflects now in my day-to-day role.

What does winning this BCIA Award mean to you personally and professionally?

Aarushi: Personally, and professionally, winning this BCIA Award is a huge honour. It's a recognition of the hard work and dedication I've put into my career, and it validates the positive impact I've strived to make in the industry. It also motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and achieving even greater things.

Anya: 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.

What skills or attributes do you believe are most important for success in our industry today?

Aarushi: For the BMS industry today, success requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally important. While strong technical skills are essential in BMS, the ability to collaborate effectively as a team is paramount.

Anya: I would say problem solving would be a big one, having the skill and drive to resolve issues is a huge factor in my day-to-day work. Not only this, but having an open mindset is important, as it encourages creative thinking which adds to such a skill, giving alternate ways of thinking and tackling challenges.

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your engineering journey, and why?

Aarushi: From the very beginning of my career, my dad has been an incredible mentor, offering invaluable guidance that's helped me navigate the world of engineering. My dad's mentorship has been a constant source of inspiration and practical advice, propelling me forward in my engineering career. 

Anya: I think my team along with my manager have been my biggest influence, a lot of what I’ve learnt is thanks to them and their support; their drive and passion for engineering is inspiring, motivating me to continuously do my best.

Any final comments to fellow engineers or to the controls industry?

Aarushi: The building controls industry can and should encourage increased diversity and inclusion in several ways:

• Promote STEM education programs in underserved communities.

• Create mentorship programs for young people from diverse backgrounds

• Foster a more inclusive workplace culture that celebrates differences.

By taking these steps, we can create a more diverse and successful engineering industry for everyone.

Anya: Some advice I’d give would be 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.