The construction and engineering sectors face a big challenge: how to boost productivity while tackling climate change. Fortunately, this year’s Graduates and Apprentices of the Year are tackling this head-on. They are the new generation of civil engineers equipped with fresh ideas to address these complex issues.
Over the years, organizations like NCE and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) have spotlighted emerging talent through their Graduate and Apprenticeship Awards. Each year’s entries reassure us that bright minds are ready to tackle the problems ahead. We caught up with some of the winners to hear their thoughts on how to manage the push for growth along with the urgent need for decarbonisation.
“We need a million more engineers by 2030. To get there, we must reach out to women and individuals with disabilities, and inspire everyone else to consider a career in civil engineering.”
Dawood Shoaib, the Degree Apprentice of the Year, believes productivity is crucial. He works at AtkinsRéalis and supports Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance. He emphasizes the need for collaboration through models like Project 13, which motivates teams to exceed goals. “We no longer just ask how to cut costs; we ask how to reduce carbon,” he explains.
Franchesca Nichols, the Apprentice of the Year, shares her insights on standardization from her work in the Highlands. She sees a pattern: using one design repeatedly speeds things up. Shifting more work into factories can also help, reducing weather-related delays. “Standardized designs can include climate adaptations too,” she says, enhancing the durability of structures.
Sonali Patel from ICE highlights communication. “Good rapport among contractors, consultants, and clients can make or break a project,” she asserts. She believes effective communication can also influence policymakers, leading to better support for sustainable engineering initiatives.
Katie O’Neill, the Graduate of the Year, stresses the importance of inclusivity. She, a member of the neurodivergent community, argues that diverse teams can lead to more innovative solutions. Currently, only 16% of civil engineers are women—far from reflecting the population. She advocates for designs that cater to all, pointing out that a lack of representation can lead to oversight in safety and accessibility.
The call for greater inclusivity isn’t just about boosting numbers; it’s about realizing the untapped potential within diverse groups. “When we create accessible processes, we unlock talent that can fuel innovation,” O’Neill asserts. She believes this is a critical path to meet the government’s ambition of a million new engineers by 2030.
This generation of engineers is ready to adapt and innovate. With their forward-thinking mindset, they have the potential to lead the future of civil engineering, addressing pressing challenges while building a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
For more insights on civil engineering and the challenges the sector faces, explore resources from authoritative sources like the [ICE](https://www.ice.org.uk/) and [NCE](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/).
