Incoming ICE President, Richard Coackley, has now chosen six young engineers who will work closely with him throughout his presidential term.
The apprentices, from across the UK, will have a unique opportunity to observe how a senior, influential figure in the industry operates, learn a range of new skills and gain a better understanding of the workings of the ICE.
Each will have individual and group mentoring sessions with Coackley and be involved in his initiatives throughout the year. They will also attend major influencing events or meetings with figures such as senior civil servants or ministers and engage with ICE members in their region.
Coackley, who will take over from Peter Hansford in November, said it had been a tough task selecting six graduates from a diverse pool of very strong applicants, but was confident he had selected “six energetic and inspiring young engineers”.
“I’m looking forward to hearing their views on the many challenges facing the world today and how we, as engineers, can help with finding the solutions.” he said.
He added that his apprentice scheme will be “based largely on shadowing and mentoring so the apprentices gain direct experience of the Presidential role and a good understanding of the workings of the Institution.”
More information
As part of the application, candidates were asked to submit 500 words on the global challenges they see on the horizon and how they think civil engineers can help solve them.
Kieren Couch, Civil/Highways Contacts Sub-Agent Technician,
Cornwall Council Highways Service
“It is the Civil Engineers in the world who can ensure that solutions are developed and implemented through the exercising of the embedded skills learnt from our predecessors such as I.K.Brunnel and the like. It is also the world’s engineers who can collaborate and innovate not only ‘a solution’ but the ‘correct’ solution which accounts for the demanding aspirations which are evident even within the industry today and show no signs of decreasing.”
Angela Crowther, Structural Engineer, Expedition Engineering
“Civil engineering education equips individuals with the analytic skills and technical knowledge required to deal with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical environment. There is a need for engineers to begin applying these skills in a broader sense to the major issues of the day. Change takes a long time, but it will only happen if we concentrate on solving the fundamental problems…”
Sebastian John, Graduate Civil Engineer, Ove Arup & Partners
“I believe we can meet all of our future challenges if we choose to live sustainably. The financial collapse in 2008 was a fantastic example of what can happen if we do not live within our means. Globally we must choose to live within our means, both financially and with the resources we have. As Civil Engineers we have the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of our planet, and it is a responsibility that I relish.”
Caroline Traynor, Graduate Engineer, Arup
“We have a responsibility as civil engineers, to provide sustainable energy options for the future. We need to focus on viable, sustainable, 'whole energy supply solutions' rather than concentrating on specific technologies. This is a global challenge that we must embrace if we are to have a viable future for our planet. The young engineers of today and tomorrow have the enthusiasm, willingness and talent to lead this transformation.”
Lydia Walpole, Graduate Civil engineer, Costain
“Civil Engineers will have to face the challenges of an ever increasing population demanding a more efficient infrastructure, solutions to managing the effects of climate change, whilst protecting the environment and reducing CO2. Pressure from clients to deliver innovative projects with value for money whilst maintaining high quality end products and excellent standards of health and safety will be higher than ever. With the collaboration from other professions and a new generation of engineers that can diversify and ‘turn a hand to business,’ it can be achieved.”
Yan Zhou, Structural Engineer, CB&I UK
“Civil engineers have a significant role to play in solving the challenges of rising energy demand and climate change by contributing to safer nuclear power and more efficient carbon capture and storage in the short term, and by getting involved in developing affordable and reliable renewable energy for the future. More importantly, civil engineers should take this opportunity to lead the global action against climate change and transfer and share knowledge across all borders.”
Media contacts
For further information contact:
Kate Ison, ICE Media Manager, 0207 665 2104, Kate.ison@ice.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is to place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy and UK exports