New ICE learning centre receives industry support

09/12/2015 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Seven leading contractors and consultants have joined forces with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) to help fund a new state-of-the-art engineering exhibition and learning centre.

The centre, which will open in 2016 at ICE's London headquarters as part of ICE's 'Shaping the World' appeal, is designed to help inspire the next generation of engineers and demonstrate the diverse range of engineering careers available to young people.

The 'Shaping the World' appeal is an international campaign which brings together the greatest civil engineering minds across the globe to help alleviate the effects of major future challenges.

AECOM, Carillion, Costain, Kier, Mace Foundation, VINCI Construction UK Limited and WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff have become the first 'founding partners' of the exhibition and learning centre. Together they have pledged over £300,000, and ICE has promised to match industry donations to the £850,000 project. ICE is now renewing its call to the rest of industry to follow suit and to join as partners to help raise the remaining funds needed to bring the vision to life.

The exhibition centre will be an interactive space for young people, teachers, parents and practicing engineers, bringing civil engineering to life with model replicas, installations and digital prototypes of iconic structures, engineering games and 3D printers – making the link between digital and the physical.

Founding partners will be invited to display structural and digital models, installations and case studies to tell a story of how their projects have connected people, socially, economically and physically to improve their wellbeing.

ICE Director General, Nick Baveystock, commented: "ICE is thrilled to welcome these seven giants of industry as founding partners of our exciting space. Our message to those yet to join is simple – exhibit with us, inspire with us. If we are to motivate young people to follow in our footsteps and become tomorrow's innovators we must take this opportunity to pool our resources, and share our stories as a means of trumpeting our achievements."

AECOM chief executive for UK & Ireland Patrick Flaherty said: "In today's world of complex, evolving challenges, engineering design plays a critical role in developing economies, protecting the environment and improving people's lives. From providing clean water to planning cities, the transformational work of our industry leaves a positive, lasting impact. Igniting young imaginations to the possibility of a career in engineering is vital for solving the world's future challenges."

Carillion CEO Richard Howson said: "Solving skills shortages and engaging a diverse range of people with inspiring engineering career opportunities is fundamental to the future of our economy and national infrastructure. Partnering with the Exhibition and Learning Centre, and taking that enthusiasm into the communities where we work and live, will be key to motivating people to gain essential skills and pursue rewarding, exciting careers to shape our future world."

Costain CEO Andrew Wyllie CBE said: "Costain's Engineering Tomorrow strategy is driven by innovation. Customers now demand, on a daily basis, improved performance, new solutions and a shared vision of a better future. Our industry must innovate. Success will only be achieved by those who continually 'raise the bar' in the constant quest for higher standards of excellence."

Kier executive director, construction and infrastructure services Nigel Brook said: "We are proud to be supporting the ICE in encouraging the next generation of engineers to join the current innovators in the industry. Major infrastructure is the lifeblood of economies and shapes our existence, so without civil engineers delivering some of the UK's most recognisable landmarks then the UK landscape would look very different and daily life would be unrecognisable. The breadth of opportunity offered to new entrants within the industry is vast and it's with this campaign that the exhibition and learning centre will be able to truly help inspire young people into being a part of delivering infrastructure for the future."

WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff UK COO and MD for transport, infrastructure and property Mark Naysmith said: "As the production of data in our projects continues to grow, we now have the available technology to understand and utilise this information in our designs. Competition for digital-savvy recruits will be fierce, and we need to attract the best and the brightest to our industry to make the most of these technological advances. To do this we need to promote how digital skills and building information modelling (BIM) are already positively impacting real projects. This exhibition will help showcase and explain how what was recently impossible is now a reality, and inspire the next generation to drive this evolution forward."

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Supervisor

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Highways Supervisor Forfar, Angus
Recruiter: Amey

Tree Surveyor

£Competitive
We are excited to offer fantastic opportunities for Permanent Tree Surveyors Scotland
Recruiter: Amey

Chief Operating Officer – South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee

£Competitive
We’re looking for a bold, visionary leader to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin)
Recruiter: Carmarthenshire County Council

Clerk of Works - Highways

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Clerk of Works to join our dynamic NMC SW Account team at Polmadie. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Supervisor

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Highways Supervisor to join our NMC NE account in Kinross. Perth and Kinross
Recruiter: Amey

Planner - Highways

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for Permanent Planner – Highways to join our NMC SW Account. Glasgow City
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Permit Officer - Internal works promoter - WMF2244e

£34,434 - £35,412
The streetworks Permit Officer role within the highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Development Management Engineer

£41,816 - £45,175
You will be based in the Highways Development Team and work closely with colleagues across the wider transport service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Project Officer

£34,203 - £37,067
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated project officer to work in our Highways and Transport Service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW