I have always believed in celebrating success, especially for people at the start of their careers. So when the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 was announced, I messaged as many of the winners as I could to say well done. I did not expect one of those messages to end with an invitation to the awards evening.
Muhammad Izzul Hakimi bin Roslan, an Inspection Officer at CAMS Assethub and a winner in the Digital and Automation Innovators category, asked me to be his plus one. We had never met, not even on a video call. I said yes. Muhammad had flown from Australia, on his own, for his first ever trip to London, to collect his award. That takes real courage, and it shows what this recognition means.
Now in its second year, the programme is run by CIBSE YEN Global and recognises young professionals across five categories: Emerging Leaders, Technical Excellence, Sustainable Champions, Digital and Automation Innovators, and Project Delivery Champions. This year's class spans the UK, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Australia, with work ranging from heat networks and data centres to asset management and building controls.
What stood out to me is how much of this is achieved before Chartership. Many of the winners are still working towards professional registration, yet they are already leading teams, mentoring junior engineers and contributing to industry guidance. Recognition at this stage matters. It builds confidence, raises profiles and helps keep talented people in building jobs and construction jobs at a time when the sector needs them most.
The evening brought together a dinner, presentations and a panel discussion hosted by CIBSE President Elect Mike Burton. The room was full of friends, family and colleagues, and the support for the future leaders of the sector was clear to see.
At Carrington West, we work with building services engineers at every stage of their careers, and evenings like this are a reminder of why early careers support matters. To employers: celebrate your young professionals and back them on the road to Chartership. And to Muhammad, congratulations. It was an honour to be your plus one, and I have gained a friend for life.
Sources
CIBSE Journal: Dave Cooper inaugurated as CIBSE President 2026-27