The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced Stan Thomas as the incoming Chair and Freddy Kudom as incoming Vice Chair of its Young Engineers Network (YEN), with both taking up their roles in January 2027. The appointments bring together two passionate industry professionals committed to developing young talent, strengthening industry connections and creating more opportunities for the next generation of building controls engineers.
Stan, who has served as YEN Vice Chair since January 2025, will succeed outgoing Chair Josh Steel, while Freddy will take on the Vice Chair position before progressing to Chair in January 2029.
Aimed at professionals under the age of 35 working in technical roles within the building energy management systems (BEMS) industry within BCIA member companies. BCIA’s YEN provides opportunities for learning, networking and peer-to-peer support, helping young engineers develop their skills and build connections across the sector.
The appointments come as the wider construction industry faces growing workforce pressures. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK will need an average of 41,200 additional workers each year between 2026 and 2030. For the building controls sector, the challenge is not only attracting new talent, but equipping engineers with the skills needed to support increasingly connected, data-driven buildings.
For Freddy, Director of Freedom Controls Ltd, the appointment represents an opportunity to give back to an industry in which he has progressed from apprentice and installer to engineer and business owner.
With more than a decade of experience in building energy management systems (BEMS), Freddy has worked across commissioning, software engineering, design and project delivery, supporting commercial buildings, hotels and mission-critical data centres. Today, through his own company, Freedom Controls he leads a team of engineers, oversees technical delivery and mentors developing professionals.
Drawing on his own career experiences, Freddy is keen to build on BCIA’s YEN's established work in supporting young engineers, with a particular focus on practical learning and professional development. His ambitions include expanding opportunities for hands-on experience through technical sessions, site visits and mentoring, while strengthening engagement with apprentices, trainees and students through colleges, employers and industry events.
Freddy Kudom, incoming YEN Vice Chair, commented: "I've experienced first-hand how important the right guidance, training and opportunities can be when you're starting out in this industry. Having progressed from apprentice to engineer and now business owner, I want to use that experience to help others build successful careers.
"BCIA’s YEN already does fantastic work bringing young engineers together, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities to develop. I'm keen to build on those foundations, drawing on the wealth of experience across our industry to offer even more practical learning, mentoring and opportunities to connect. For me, it's about developing better professionals, not just better engineers. I want young people entering this industry to understand the importance of supporting others, building relationships and taking pride in the work they do.”
"I'm excited to work alongside Stan, continue the great work Josh has led and help YEN reach even more young people who are looking to build a career in building controls."
Incoming Chair Stan Thomas, UK South Sales & Account Manager at Sontay, brings valuable experience in helping clients focus on sustainability and efficiency through the use of BEMS.
Named in CIBSE's 30 Under 30 Future Leader list in 2026, Stan is committed to strengthening the professional networks, knowledge and confidence of young engineers, while encouraging greater participation across the industry.
Stan Thomas, incoming YEN Chair, said: "I'm delighted to be taking on the role of Chair and continuing the work we've been doing to grow and strengthen BCIA’s YEN. There is an incredible amount of young talent in building controls, and we want to make sure people have the connections, support and confidence to make the most of their potential. That’s what YEN does at its best, and I want more young engineers to get this opportunity to develop.
"Freddy brings a wealth of practical experience and a real passion for developing engineers, and I'm looking forward to working together to make YEN even more accessible, engaging and valuable to its members."
The appointments follow two years of leadership from Josh Steel, who has chaired YEN since January 2025. During his tenure, Josh has championed the Network's role in bringing young engineers together, sharing industry knowledge and supporting career development. The BCIA extends its sincere thanks to Josh for his dedication and contribution.
Graeme Rees, Interim President of the BCIA, commented: "Attracting, developing and retaining skilled people is one of the most important priorities for the future of building controls, and YEN plays an important role in supporting that ambition.
"Stan and Freddy are excellent examples of the talent and leadership emerging across our sector. Freddy's journey from apprentice to business owner demonstrates just how rewarding a career in building controls can be. Together, their experience, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting young engineers will help build on BCIA YEN's achievements and ensure the Network continues to go from strength to strength.
"I would also like to thank Josh for his dedication and leadership over the past two years. He has made a valuable contribution to BCIA’s YEN, and we look forward to seeing the Network continue to develop under its new leadership."