Jacob Bates

We asked Jacob…

I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…

It offers the chance to shape the world around you in meaningful, lasting ways.

From flood alleviation schemes to sustainable water-treatment infrastructure, I feel proud that the projects I've worked on have helped improve the resilience of communities and the environment against climate change.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also...

An avid traveller, keen hiker, and an identical twin, which can be confusing!

Name one civil or infrastructure engineering myth you’d like to bust.

Infrastructure development doesn’t have to be at the expense of the natural environment – engineering can sustainably co-exist with nature and even benefit it!

It isn’t all concrete and steel. Instead sustainable materials and natural alternatives are used to minimise the impact of our work on the environment and the climate.

How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?

As a civil engineer tackling flood risk in the built environment, I play a vital role in protecting assets, property, and infrastructure against the loss of habitat this can cause.

Carbon reduction, environmental protection, and climate resilience are now central to how we plan, design, and construct infrastructure.

How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?

Apprenticeships are highly varied and accessible, it doesn’t matter how you did at school, or how you learn.

They are a great option for people who prefer hands-on learning without the student debt. 

As a degree apprentice, I often share my experience with others at careers fairs and STEM outreach events to show that engineering is open to everyone, no matter your background.

What role does digital technology play in your job?

Embracing digital technology is crucial for my role, and I would say for any apprentice/ graduate in the industry.

Daily, I use tools like Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D to develop and manage 3D models.

This means I coordinate and manage internal and external designs to produce one streamlined combined model. This helps to minimise issues when the design is being built. 

I also champion the use of 4D modelling across the business, where we simulate the construction of 3D models over time to improve project planning, safety and delivery.

What is motivating you to become professionally qualified? 

As the end of my degree apprenticeship, I get the chance to sit my IEng review with the ICE.

Being an incorporated member of the ICE would allow me to proudly demonstrate that I meet the industry-recognised standard. 

I’m passionate about solving real-world problems and contributing to infrastructure that improves people’s lives.

Becoming incorporated would give me the knowledge and confidence to take on more responsibility and continue to do this!

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?

Becoming a professionally qualified Engineering Technician helped me gain recognition for my hard work during my apprenticeship.

It has opened doors to more responsibility onsite and in-office and has been a massive confidence boost.

Obtaining this qualification helped prove what I am capable of, despite being early in my career.

I plan to use this valuable exposure to the professional review process to help when sitting my IEng review, and beyond.

I consider my experience so beneficial, that I now draw on it to help guide new degree apprentices starting on their EngTech applications.

How is the ICE and your employer supporting you to become professionally qualified? 

At the start of my apprenticeship, I signed up to the company accredited training scheme.

To help me, I was assigned a delegated engineer (DE), who I meet every month to help plan upcoming experience report write-ups.

Quarterly, I also have a sit-down with my supervising civil engineer (SCE) and DE to undertake high-level reviews that keep me on-track for my IEng.

The ICE offers lots of helpful webinars too, which have guided me in understanding how to progress my attributes and prepare for chartership.

Visits from its membership development officer (MDO) are always a great help!

How has being an ICE member helped your career? 

Being a member of the ICE has given me a sense of belonging in my early career.

It’s created a shared connection with colleagues and others across the industry, as regardless of their role/grade, we all have ICE membership in common.

Through the ICE, I’ve been able to build a professional network, access valuable resources and learning opportunities, and stay up to date with industry standards.

How did you become an Engineering Technician?

Mid-way through my apprenticeship, my manager encouraged me to pursue EngTech.

I didn’t know much about it at first, but I understood it was well respected in the industry and quickly saw the value of this opportunity.

Despite not being a degree-apprentice requirement, I took time to compile a list of evidence with guidance from my delegated engineer (DE), which I submitted to the ICE. 

I successfully passed my review and now work to guide other junior apprentices on this journey.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego?

When I was younger, my brother and I spent days building Lego sets.

We even created a mini city – houses, a hospital, police station, airport, cargo ships, and looking back, a very colourful and likely not-to-scale Eiffel Tower.