Developing the Next Generation: Jordan Clarke’s Journey to CIBSE YEN Global 30 Under 30
Supporting people has always been at the heart of Jordan Clarke’s career. Now, that passion has earned international recognition, with the CPW Senior Engineer being named in the CIBSE YEN Global 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 as an Emerging Leader.
The accolade celebrates young professionals who are making a positive impact within the building services industry, and for Jordan it reflects a long-standing commitment to mentoring others, developing future engineers and creating opportunities for those entering the profession.
We sat down with Jordan to talk about his career so far, the importance of leadership, and why there's never been a more exciting time to join the built environment sector.
When did you join CPW, and what initially drew you to the engineering industry?
I joined CPW last year, looking for an exciting new challenge and the opportunity to help grow the Manchester office following its recent relocation to the city centre.
I always knew I wanted to work in engineering because I wanted to have a tangible, creative impact on the world around me. I hope that in 20 years' time I'll be able to look at buildings and projects across the country and know I played a part in bringing them to life.
What experience has had the biggest impact on your career?
One of the most impactful experiences goes back to when I first started as an apprentice. I was working alongside a Senior Engineer who was mentoring me at the time, and one evening I asked him about an electrical service design I didn't fully understand.
Rather than giving me a quick answer or suggesting we revisit it another day, he took the time to sit down with me and talk through the design in detail. He patiently explained the fundamentals, answered every question I had and made sure I genuinely understood the concepts behind it. What stayed with me wasn't just the technical knowledge he shared, but the investment he made in my development. As someone at the very start of their career, that level of support gave me confidence and showed me the kind of professional I wanted to become.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership is often about doing the simple things consistently. It's taking the time to speak with people, understanding the challenges they're facing, and learning about their ambitions and goals.
One thing I've always felt is important is giving team members the same level of attention and respect that we give to clients. People perform at their best when they feel valued, listened to and supported, and that starts with building genuine relationships. It's about setting an example and creating an environment where people can grow, succeed and thrive.
While managers are responsible for delivering results, the best leaders inspire and bring people with them on the journey.
That's one of the reasons I've enjoyed joining CPW. The leadership team are highly visible and genuinely invested in the development of their people. Directors work closely alongside teams, are happy to share their knowledge and make themselves accessible, creating a culture where learning and progression are part of everyday life.
That environment has reinforced many of the leadership principles I value most. When people see leaders investing time in others, it encourages them to do the same.
You champion apprentices and early-career engineers. What initiatives have you supported, and why are they important to you?
When I was earlier in my career, I was an ambassador for early careers at Arcadis. I was also a member of the Northern Apprenticeship Panel, meeting quarterly with industry leaders to explore ways of improving apprenticeships for current and future learners. We collaborated with local organisations, hosted networking events and shared ideas with business leaders to help drive positive change.
Through these roles, I helped shape how apprenticeship programmes were delivered and supported people entering the industry as apprentices, graduates and young engineers.
This is important to me because supporting young talent is fundamental to building a sustainable business. By training and inspiring the next generation, you create a cycle where they can go on to support and inspire those who follow.
In my experience, the strongest organisations are those that develop talent from within. Investing in apprentices, graduates and early-career professionals not only helps individuals build rewarding careers, it also helps organisations strengthen their culture and develop future leaders.
Being able to support people at the beginning of their careers and help create opportunities for them is something I find incredibly rewarding, and it's a passion that has stayed with me throughout my professional journey.
What does being recognised as an Emerging Leader mean to you?
I've always tried to focus on supporting and developing the people around me, so it's incredibly rewarding to receive recognition for something that's genuinely important to me.
It's also encouraging to know that others have connected with the values and approach I believe in. While awards and recognition are never the goal, they can provide reassurance that you're making a positive impact.
I've always believed that leadership isn't defined by age. You don't have to reach a certain stage in your career to support and inspire those around you. That's why I think it's fantastic that organisations such as CIBSE recognise emerging talent and celebrate the contribution people can make, regardless of where they are within their career journey.
What excites you most about the future at CPW?
CPW is at a really exciting stage of its journey, and that's one of the things that attracted me to the business. There's a genuine commitment to growth, innovation and developing people, which creates opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers.
What I've been particularly impressed by is the culture. People are encouraged to share ideas, take ownership and continue learning, while having the support of experienced colleagues around them. That combination of trust, collaboration and development is incredibly powerful.
As the industry continues to evolve through advances in technology, sustainability and digital engineering, CPW is well positioned to embrace those changes. I'm excited to be part of that journey and to contribute to the continued growth of both the business and the people within it.
How can young engineers help drive innovation within the built environment?
Young engineers have a vital role to play in driving innovation across the built environment, which is why it's so important that we continue to nurture emerging talent. They bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and a willingness to challenge established ways of working.
At the same time, some of the best innovation happens when younger engineers learn from experienced colleagues. Combining industry knowledge with fresh thinking and new technologies creates opportunities to solve problems more effectively, and deliver better outcomes for clients and communities at large.
As an industry, we shouldn't do something simply because it's always been done that way. If there's a better approach, we should be open to exploring it, and young engineers have an important role to play in helping drive that change.
For anyone considering a career in engineering, particularly within building services, I'd say there's never been a more exciting time to join. We're seeing significant advancements in technology, digital tools and AI, all of which are transforming the way we design, deliver and operate buildings. It's an exciting time to enter the profession and grow alongside that transformation.
My advice to anyone starting out, or still deciding which path to take, is to find something you genuinely enjoy and commit to it wholeheartedly. The most rewarding careers often come from pursuing what interests and motivates you, then making the most of every opportunity to learn, develop and grow.
Ready for your next challenge? Whether you're just starting out as an apprentice or graduate, or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch or view our current vacancies here.