The CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) is designed to provide those in the first 10 years of their career with local support and professional development opportunities. This month we caught up with Paris Curling, Mechanical Engineer at Cundall, who volunteers as the YEN West Midlands Secretary:
I started volunteering with CIBSE YEN for the great opportunities it provides to connect me with my peers around the industry and broadening my network beyond my company. It is refreshing to engage with other young engineers in the same position to myself and being able to gain invaluable industry insights and exposure.
One of the best parts about being involved is being able to continually develop my personal and professional skills whilst enriching my career these things hugely valuable in the long run. It also gives me the creative outlet I need to feel fulfilled by my career, whilst being able to make an impact in the industry at the same time. Having the chance to contribute to something outside of my core role, and to do so in a way that benefits others in the industry, has added a whole new layer of meaning to what I do.
I am inspired by the opportunity to promote the building services industry to the next generation of engineers through the events we host. There’s so much opportunity in this field, but it’s not always visible to those who are just starting out. Through YEN, I have the chance to help spread awareness of what the industry involves and why it’s such an exciting space to build a career. YEN gives us a strong platform to make our voices heard.
The events we organise are varied and range from technical CPD sessions and panel discussions to informal networking and social events like bowling nights. This helps us cater to different interests and preferences and ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether they’re looking to expand their technical knowledge or meet people in the industry. We also collaborate regularly with the CIBSE team, as well as regional and special interest groups, which helps us grow our reach and bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. We’re also supported by a wide network of contractors, manufacturers, and organisations who regularly sponsor our events, giving us the resources we need to reach more people and deliver real value.
As part of the YEN West Midlands committee, I meet monthly with a group of dedicated volunteers to plan and deliver events for young engineers in our region. It’s a great team to be part of, and the shared energy and enthusiasm make it a really enjoyable experience. Wanting to contribute more, I decided to take on the role of Secretary. In this position, I support the overall organisation of the committee’s activities, making sure everyone is up to date, meetings are well-structured, and that we’re all aligned in what we’re working towards. It’s helped me develop even stronger organisation and communication.
Overall, being involved in CIBSE YEN has been an incredibly positive experience. It’s helped me build connections, grow as a professional, and feel more involved in the future of the industry. I’ve learned so much already, and I’m excited to continue working with the committee to support other young engineers as they find their way in the field. Whether it’s through hosting events, sharing experiences, or simply offering support to those just starting out, I’m proud to be part of a network that’s helping shape the next generation of building services professionals.
To learn more about the YEN, visit their pages. If you are keen to volunteer, email [email protected] to be put in touch with your local committee.