AECOM empowers the digital leaders of tomorrow
This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, a global observance established by the United Nations to highlight the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need for meaningful work, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development.
The 2025 theme, ‘Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills’, recognises the transformative role that emerging technologies are playing in shaping the future of work and accelerating global progress. As industries increasingly integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools into their operations, empowering youth with these competencies has never been more urgent or more promising.
AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, continues to play a proactive role in developing the digital fluency and professional capabilities of its young talent. In Africa, its Candidacy Mentoring Programme remains a cornerstone of this commitment. Designed to support the career development of early-career engineers, technologists, architects and quantity surveyors, the programme provides not only technical training but also mentorship, leadership development and hands-on exposure to real-world projects.
Each candidate is paired with an experienced professional who offers ongoing guidance, professional insights and support. This mentoring environment helps young employees navigate their registration processes, refine their skills and build confidence as they take on increasingly complex challenges.
Crucially, candidates also gain practical experience through involvement in local and international projects where digital tools, including AI-enabled modelling and design software, are embedded in every phase of delivery. These experiences are further bolstered by access to AECOM University, the company’s global e-learning platform, which offers more than 5 000 courses covering a wide spectrum of subjects, including AI, BIM, digital design, data analytics and soft skills development.
Among the rising stars benefitting from this supportive environment is Kaveel Jugdiswar, an engineer in AECOM’s Building Services team. Since joining in 2022, Kaveel has progressed from candidate engineer to engineer, recently completing his MEng at the University of the Witwatersrand with a focus on advanced design techniques for stormwater and transportation, as well as project management.
Kaveel exemplifies the digital action that World Youth Skills Day 2025 seeks to celebrate. Working on large-scale data centre projects, he leverages BIM tools such as Civil 3D and Revit to drive multidisciplinary collaboration and communication. “Having a mentor that trusts my abilities to successfully produce deliverables using these tools has given me the freedom to learn and understand their vast capabilities, promoting digital innovation by adopting different techniques to create engineering solutions,” he explains.
Kaveel’s academic foundation exposed him to different approaches for solving complex engineering problems and provided experience in leading projects from start to finish. He sees artificial intelligence as the next frontier: “The use of AI could be powerful if the user is experienced enough to input valuable information to achieve expected results in a fraction of the time.”
Committed to continuous growth, Kaveel focuses on upskilling in new versions of BIM tools and exploring emerging software in the BIM space. His advice to fellow young engineers reflects this mindset, he says: “Seek guidance from your team, don’t be afraid to ask and learn from the experts in your field. These are people who have navigated the hardships you’re likely to encounter, so don’t hesitate to ask. Stay hungry to learn because you’ll never know everything, so continuous development is key.”
The story of Khanyisa Mabasa, a Candidate Quantity Surveyor – MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) illustrates the value of nurturing youth skills in shaping the future of infrastructure. “I was drawn to quantity surveying because it blends problem-solving with financial strategy, offering real-world impact through technical precision,” says Khanyisa.
With a BTech in Quantity Surveying and an MTech in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg, her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a promising career in a dynamic and demanding industry.
At AECOM, Khanyisa plays a key role in preparing cost plans and bills of quantities (BOQs) for international projects, an experience that has refined her technical, leadership and collaborative skills. “Since joining AECOM, I have learned to lead BOQ production for MEPF packages, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure,” she explains.
For Khanyisa, AECOM’s commitment to Engineered Impact is more than a slogan, it is a mission. “Our work is designed not only for efficiency but for resilience. The MEPF systems I work on prioritise sustainability, from energy-efficient HVAC systems to water-saving plumbing, ensuring long-term benefits for communities.”
Her exposure to global mega-projects like the Dubai International Airport Expansion (DXB) and Toronto’s Ontario Line South has been especially rewarding. “Seeing the scale and social relevance of these projects affirmed that our work is about more than construction, it is about enabling lives.”
AECOM’s focus on structured mentorship has been a catalyst in her development. “Working alongside senior professionals on complex projects has helped me bridge the gap between theory and application. From high-stakes negotiations to risk management, the guidance I have received has elevated my confidence and capability.”
Khanyisa believes young professionals are uniquely positioned to drive change in the industry. “We bring digital fluency, fresh thinking, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether it is applying BIM and AI tools or advocating for low-carbon construction methods, we have the power to lead the transformation.”
Her message to youth considering STEM careers is one of empowerment: “If you are curious about solving real-world challenges, STEM gives you the tools to leave a legacy. Every design, system, or cost plan you create contributes to shaping the future.”
On World Youth Skills Day 2025, AECOM reaffirms its commitment to advancing youth empowerment through digital skills. By cultivating a generation of technically adept, socially conscious professionals, the company continues to contribute to a more resilient, equitable and digitally inclusive built environment.
Website: www.aecom.com
