A team of graduate engineers from Pick Everard won the regional ICE Communications Competition held at Loughborough University last night.
The competition offers young engineers the opportunity to develop their communications skills in role play public consultation scenarios based around mock engineering scheme proposals.
The Pick Everard team took on the role of 'Greenshire District Council' and presented a proposal to a mock scenario regarding a new parking facility to improve both the tourist potential of the town and the employment situation. The audience asked questions as if in a public meeting - the team had to develop a presentation and 'information flyer' about their proposal.
Richard Neilson - team leader said “I found participating in the competition challenging and rewarding; the experience has enhanced our presentation skills and increased our confidence. I would recommend the competition to all graduates". Pick Everard faced strong competition from Scott Wilson and Waterman Group to win the regional round; they will go forward to the next round for a chance of competing in the national final.
Julian Jones, Head Judge and Managing Director of Golder Associates UK said “There’s no point in having a good idea unless you can communicate it. Tonight we saw groups of young civil engineers putting some passion and having some fun into several controversial societal issues”.
Malcolm Jackson, Regional Director of the ICE East Midlands said “The Institution of Civil Engineers is committed to developing the next generation of professional engineers which will lead the industry with the innovative infrastructure solutions required to address the issues we are facing, such as climate change”