Applicants choose to work on their choice of projects, which are integral to ICE’s Business Plan and will have an impact on the industry.
Rachel, through shortlisting and video interviews, chose the following six candidates to be her Future Leaders for the year.
In addition to working alongside ICE staff members on their chosen project, they will be spending some quality time with Paul.
Bianca Wheeler
Construction Engineer, Jacobs (seconded to Tideway)
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
I am excited to be involved with the Institution at a more senior level and to be focussing on such an important topic – climate change. I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the ICE’s influential role into achieving net zero carbon by 2050. Working alongside Rachel and the other future leaders will provide an eye-opening experience which will benefit me greatly throughout the year and for many years to come during my career.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
Companies’ sustainability policies i.e. what they’re doing to achieve them and how they’re offsetting their carbon, playing a more crucial role by law during the tendering process for large scale work.
Read Bianca's full profile
Cliff Francis
Project Manager, nmcn
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
I think that we are facing unprecedented times. We have a great opportunity to shape a positive outcome from the challenges societies are facing, with "new-normal" distancing and protective measures in place. The world is in great need of leaders who are capable of making a recognisable impact on climate change. Whilst we respond to an immediate threat, our innovative practices can be developed and adopted to create a long-term shift in our industries approach to construction. I hope to be a real part of ensuring we have a sustainable future.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
Digitalisation of the construction industry provides us with a wide variety of tools that can help us adopt strategic and measurable change.
Read Cliff's full profile
Kaye Pollard
Civil Engineer, Mott MacDonald
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
I’m excited to be working alongside President Rachel Skinner on the net zero carbon initiative. Climate change is the most urgent challenge of our times and we urgently need to halt carbon emissions to prevent catastrophic warming of our planet. The infrastructure industry has a huge role to play and I’m looking forward to learning more about positive change driven from the very top and the processes by which national policies and strategies are written and implemented.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
We urgently need to decarbonise the electricity grid. Without this, other innovations such as electrification of our transport systems will have limited impact on carbon emissions.
Read Kaye's full profile
Micheala Chan
Graduate Engineer, Arcadis
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
I’m excited to work with President Rachel Skinner to help change the direction of the industry with respect to climate change and the future of the planet. Beyond gaining a richer understanding of the civil engineering industry as a whole, I’m also looking forward to being part of the work that the ICE does to break down silos within our industry and to gain greater insight from the many wonderful people who are key to achieving that aim.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
We must empower local actors and build truly equal, grassroots partnerships to become forces for advocacy and change, actively break down silos and focusing on people and the planet that sustains us.
Read Micheala's full profile
Rachel Hopson
Engineer, Wood Thilsted
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
It is a great honour and privilege to be selected as an ICE Future Leader. I am looking forward to working with Rachel Skinner and other industry leaders on challenging civil engineering projects. In addition to working together with my fellow Future Leaders and the development that I will gain during this time. I am excited to reflect on our progress, towards the target of net zero carbon and how the ICE can support the sustainability challenge we currently face.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
Implementing a Life Cycle approach into our daily routine as Engineers is essential as Civil Engineering industries are interdependent, and all play a vital role in the strive for sustainability.
Read Rachel's full profile
Tondup Wangail
Senior Engineer, WSP
“What are you most looking forward to during your year as Future Leader?”
I am looking forward to a wonderful opportunity to engage in an intensive development program, working on strategic ICE projects with international colleagues and industry experts. I hope to get inside track and understanding of developments and thinking through attending high profile meetings and engaging with senior industry figures and networking opportunities. As part of being a Future leader I hope to contribute in the Alumni Network next year as it provides opportunities to engage with a dynamic peer group for the rest of your career. All these would be a great influence on both my personal life and career.
“What one change, in your view, would make a major change for our industry as it supports net zero carbon?”
Today’s civil engineers need to take a reverse engineering approach. The limits of energy production and consumption need to be understood before designing a building.
Read Tondup's full profile