Jananie Balapitathees

We asked Jananie…

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

My career has focused on delivering inclusive and sustainable infrastructure, mentoring junior engineers, and engaging with stakeholders to shape better outcomes.

I wanted formal recognition for the skills and experience I’ve gained and to set an example for other young engineers, especially women entering the field.

I’m proud to be the first female infrastructure engineer professionally qualified in my team, and I’m passionate about paving the way for others.

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

Being professionally qualified with the ICE shows my colleagues and clients that I meet a recognised professional standard. 

It’s given me greater confidence and credibility to make decisions and adapt to challenges in my role.

It has helped me in many ways, most importantly, it’s enabled me to guide and mentor fellow engineers on their own professional journeys.

There’s a real sense of fulfilment in contributing to someone else’s success, and I’m proud to be part of a culture that supports growth and development.

How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified? 

The ICE provided clear guidance and a well-structured framework through its attributes and criteria, which helped me understand what was expected to complete my professional training contract.

Each attribute gave me a clear focus – whether it was communication, health and safety, sustainability, or commercial awareness – and helped me reflect on my development in a meaningful way.

Jacobs has been instrumental in supporting my journey, offering a unique mentoring culture and opportunities to gain diverse project experience across disciplines.

I’ve always felt comfortable requesting opportunities to broaden my skills, and Jacobs has encouraged that flexibility.

Their support helped me build the competencies required for each attribute, giving me the confidence and experience needed to complete my training contract and work toward becoming professionally qualified.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

Being part of a supportive professional family that celebrates every engineer’s journey.

It’s more than a membership, it’s a community that encourages growth, shares knowledge, and recognises the diverse paths we take in civil engineering.

How has being a member helped your career?

Being a member of the ICE has kept me connected to the wider civil engineering community, opening up valuable networking opportunities and access to shared knowledge.

It’s provided essential resources and continuing professional development (CPD) support, which were key in preparing for my professional review.

Membership has helped me stay informed, engaged, and confident in my journey toward professional qualification.

A day in your life...

No two days in engineering are the same, and that’s what I love most!

I start each morning by catching up on New Civil Engineer headlines to stay up to date with industry trends.

As an assistant project manager, my role is all about connecting people and plans.

I prioritise tasks, track progress across design and site activities, and coordinate with engineers, environmental specialists, and clients to manage risks early.

I also review schedules, costs, and prepare clear updates to support quick decision-making.

Each day brings new challenges, whether it’s resolving delays, protecting wildlife, or mentoring junior colleagues.

I’m proud to play a part in delivering safer, more sustainable infrastructure.

As a working parent, I balance my career with caring for my toddler. It’s not always easy, but it motivates me to show that women can thrive in engineering while raising a family.

Which individual project or person inspired you to become an infrastructure engineer?

I was born in Paris and growing up, I was always fascinated by the Eiffel Tower. No matter how many times I visited, I was amazed by its design and elegance.

What inspired me most was that Gustave Eiffel achieved such a landmark without digital tools. Remarkably, he completed it in just two years, two months, and five days at a time when major projects often faced long delays.

Another inspirational figure is Emily Roebling, widely recognised as the first female engineer and a role model for mothers balancing multiple responsibilities.

When her husband became ill during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Emily stepped in, not as a silent supporter, but as the driving force behind its completion.

She mastered engineering principles, managed site inspections, liaised with stakeholders, and translated complex technical information, all while caring for her family.

As a civil engineer and mother, myself, I see her story as proof that intelligence, resilience, and determination can overcome barriers.

And as the first female infrastructure engineer recognised by ICE, I carry the same responsibility: to lead by example, open doors for others, and prove that women can not only contribute to infrastructure but also shape its future.

Complete this phrase: I’m an infrastructure engineer, but I’m also…

I’m an infrastructure engineer, but I’m also a mother, mentor, and passionate advocate for women in engineering.

My work is about creating safe and sustainable infrastructure. My role as a mother is about nurturing a safe and sustainable future. These roles aren’t separate, they’re deeply connected.

Motherhood has taught me resilience, sharpened my productivity, and ignited a fire within me.

I took eight months of maternity leave, and returning gave me time to reflect, pause, and choose a direction to complete the remaining attributes of my training contract.

With the support of my husband and the flexibility offered by Jacobs, I returned to work, balancing childcare and remote working while continuing my professional development.

I’m determined to show that women can thrive in engineering while raising a family, and lead by example for others.

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

The myth that infrastructure engineering is just about building roads and bridges and that it’s a low-tech field.

The reality is that infrastructure is our future.

Far beyond concrete and steel, infrastructure engineering is a diverse and dynamic field involving sustainability planning, stakeholder engagement, and long-term asset management.

Today’s engineers use advanced digital tools to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient projects.

The profession is rapidly evolving, and digital transformation allows engineers to automate time-consuming admin tasks and focus on what they truly love: solving problems, innovating, and making a real-world impact.

How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?

As an infrastructure engineer, my work directly supports the transition to more sustainable and resilient systems across transport, water, energy, waste, and digital connectivity. 

I champion digital design tools and automation to reduce material waste and streamline workflows, cutting down time-consuming tasks and enabling faster, more informed decision-making.

Whether it’s protecting habitats or optimising resources, I ensure sustainability isn’t an afterthought, it’s a core value in everything I do.

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

I’m proud to be the first woman infrastructure engineer professionally qualified with the ICE.

I hope my journey shows other women that engineering is for them too. Representation matters and I want others to see that they belong here.

I actively mentor young engineers, guiding them through their ICE training and supporting them through technical development and personal growth.

I also lead stakeholder engagement workshops to ensure our designs are inclusive and reflect the needs of diverse communities.

I believe inclusion starts with listening, and I make sure every voice is heard, whether in design meetings, workshops, or onsite.

What role does digital technology play in your job?

I’m always thinking about how we can work more efficiently and make better use of evolving technologies.

My focus is on identifying where time and effort are being lost, especially on repetitive or manual tasks, and encouraging smarter ways of working.

I’m curious about how digital tools can enhance existing infrastructure and reduce waste, and I actively support teams exploring new approaches.

Whether it’s through digital collaboration platforms or improved data sharing, I believe technology plays a key role in helping us deliver more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient infrastructure.

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

Building London Bridge with my son. It wasn’t my first taste of engineering, but it was a fun reminder of why I love it. It took us about an hour.

Moments like that remind me how engineering can be playful, creative, and shared across generations.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, baking cakes and new desserts, cooking new dishes, and spending quality time with my family.

We love travelling and exploring nature, especially mountain walks and outdoor adventures with our toddler.

These moments help me recharge and remind me of the importance of balance, creativity, and connection.