Inspiring and connecting the next generation of building service professionals
The BESA NextGen Network exists to help develop the next generation of professionals working within the building engineering services sector, and to encourage more people to choose engineering services as their career. The Network also provide new ideas and fresh perspectives to the industry and BESA as a trade body.
Who We Are
The BESA NextGen Network are a diverse group of professionals from a range of different backgrounds, working across the building engineering services sector in a variety of roles that support the industry. Exposure to such a diverse group with a range of different skills supports information sharing, career development and offers unique learning opportunities to those involved.
Meet the BESA NextGen Network
Ryan Walton, BESA NextGen Network Chair
Ibrahim Qadir, BESA NextGen Network Vice Chair
Our Aims
We aim to raise the profile of NextGen professionals in the industry
We help the NextGen make meaningful connections within the sector
The industry is changing, we encourage the NextGen to be part of that change
Why get involved?
Raising your profile with unmatched networking opportunities
Being a member of the BESA NextGen Network provides the opportunity to join a supportive community of professionals in the building engineering services sector. Involvement with the Network gives you the opportunity to play key roles in BESA events, including the BESA Annual Conference, Specialist Group Committees and Regional Meetings.
Participation in events like these offer unrivalled opportunities to network with likeminded peers from across the industry on a national level.
As the NextGen, the future is yours to make.
The BESA NextGen Network enables members to build on industry knowledge, and develop fundamental skills. We empower the NextGen to offer their fresh perspectives, insights and knowledge on emerging trends, working with experienced peers to develop innovative ideas, and new ways of thinking which can be shared with the sector.
The Network provides a platform for members to share their ideas and insights with the sector through events and knowledge sharing opportunities. By joining members receive access to training initiatives and CPD, ensuring they stay up-to-date and ahead in their fields, helping them gain knowledge, improve their skills and ultimately contribute to their ongoing success.
Championing Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring
The BESA NextGen Network are passionate about mentoring and reverse mentoring, and has been a discussion point for the group during the BESA Annual Conference, as they delved into mentoring and reverse mentoring, emphasising benefits for employers and individuals, and the impact it has on young professionals, fostering inclusive workplaces and driving personal and organisational growth. But first let's break down the meaning of Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring
Mentoring is about fostering relationships that help younger professionals navigate their roles, expand their networks, and gain confidence in their abilities. A mentor acts as a trusted advisor, offering advice based on their own experiences, helping mentees set and achieve career goals, and providing a fresh perspective on challenges or opportunities in the workplace.It’s a powerful way to share knowledge, build skills, and provide guidance through the challenges of career development.
Reverse mentoring is an innovative approach, flipping the traditional mentoring model, where younger or less experienced professionals’ mentor senior colleagues. It’s a two-way learning exchange that allows senior leaders to gain fresh perspectives on emerging trends, technology, and modern workplace dynamics, while younger mentors gain valuable insights into leadership and strategic thinking. Unlike traditional mentoring, it creates a two-way exchange of knowledge, allowing both mentor and mentee to learn from each other.
"Business relationships are all about networking – making connections and developing friendships which are crucial to making the construction industry function smoothly. The BESA Next Gen network is a critical pathway to making those connections for those people still relatively new to the sector.
These connections are of huge benefit in developing the knowledge and careers for the network participants, but also for their employers as the network can help generate business and promote their own brand as a forward thinking and progressive organisation."
Keegan Farrelly, MEP Building Services Engineer
Don't just take our word for it, hear from the BESA NextGen themselves
Ryan has had a postive experience with BESA - he is the chair of the group, also sitting on the BESA Council and the RACHP Committee, Ventilation Group - he wants to make sure that other young people have the same opportunity to have their voices heard.
NextGen Member, Ella values the supportive nature of the group, as well as the opportunity it has provided her to meet lots of new people in a range of different roles across the industry, and being able to learn new things from them.
