Recognising excellence and investing in the future of our trade

In November 2025, I was humbled to learn that I had been nominated for the inaugural ARBS Future Leaders – Trade Excellence Award. What made the nomination even more meaningful was discovering that my employer, Carve Industries, had submitted it without my knowledge. It was a genuine and unexpected recognition that not only acknowledged individual effort, but also spoke volumes about the culture of encouragement and professional growth fostered within our company.

Following the nomination, I was invited to participate in a Zoom interview with the ARBS judging panel. Shortly after, I was informed that I had been shortlisted as one of 25 candidates nationwide. In February 2026, I was thrilled to learn that I had progressed further and had been selected as a finalist for the award.

While the award itself was a significant milestone, the experience that followed was equally impactful. In May, Shane and I travelled to Melbourne to attend the 2026 ARBS Expo, an event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the HVAC&R and building services sectors.

Industry connection and shared vision

Our time in Melbourne began with an invitation-only dinner hosted by Tecumseh and Actrol. The evening provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with like-minded peers and industry heavyweights about the future of the trade, emerging technologies, and the skills required to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning – values that align strongly with the Carve Industries’ “way”.

The following day was spent immersed in the ARBS Expo itself. One standout for us was Polyaire’s new “Airtouch Home”, particularly their advancements in home security integration and smart climate control. It was also encouraging to see the industry’s noticeable shift towards P3 ducting and advanced panel technologies, reflecting a growing emphasis on efficiency, compliance, and quality outcomes.

Another highlight was our discussion with General Australia (formerly Fujitsu), where we explored their integrated wired and wireless Building Management System (BMS) technology. These systems have the potential to significantly improve how commercial environments are monitored and managed, and we are excited about the opportunity to implement this technology within Carve Industries in the coming months. 

A focus on learning and team culture

The awards luncheon itself proved to be more than a formal celebration. Several panel discussions stood out, particularly those focused on learning and development pathways for refrigeration technicians transitioning into engineering roles. Hearing firsthand experiences and insights confirmed that the trade offers far-reaching career opportunities well beyond traditional boundaries.

Equally important was the discussion around creating cohesive, supportive teams rather than disconnected groups of individuals. Strong team culture, clear communication, and shared purpose were recurring themes – principles that Carve Industries actively values and promotes.

Gratitude and perspective

While I did not ultimately receive the award, I am incredibly grateful and proud to have been considered among such a high-calibre group of professionals. Being named a finalist was an honour in itself and a powerful reminder that meaningful contribution does not go unnoticed.

Most importantly, I would like to sincerely thank Shane and Sarah Youngberry, owners of Carve Industries, for the nomination and for providing opportunities that encourage both personal and professional growth. Their willingness to invest in their people, recognise excellence, and support development beyond day-to-day responsibilities speaks volumes about the values of the company.

Looking ahead

This experience reflects what we stand for – recognition, opportunity, innovation, and growth. We believe that when people are supported and challenged, both individuals and the business thrive. I am proud to be part of a team that not only builds quality outcomes for clients, but also invests in building the future of our industry.