Member Article

ICE Chairman launches awareness campaign

A flood alleviation site on Tyneside is the latest project in the North East to fly the flag on a new industry campaign to highlight civil engineering and its value to society.

The Chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East, Derek Smith, unveiled the ‘This Is Civil Engineering’ banners across the flood alleviation site in Hebburn which, when complete, will reduce the risk of flooding to 21 homes.

‘This Is Civil Engineering’ is a campaign devised by ICE to encourage public awareness of the work involved in designing and supporting the infrastructure which is all around them and which may otherwise go unnoticed.

The scheme in Mountbatten Avenue is being developed by Seymour Civil Engineering Contractors on behalf of Northumbrian Water. It is the first of four where the firm has committed to showcase the campaign.

‘This Is Civil Engineering’ banners are displayed during projects and immediately following completion of works. The banners feature a QR code linked to a dedicated page on the ICE website that explains what civil engineering is and what civil engineers do. The page also contains links to more detailed civil engineering information and navigation to the rest of the ICE website for those interested in becoming civil engineers.

Derek Smith, Chairman of ICE North East said: “We are very proud of everything civil engineering contributes to the North East and we are delighted to be working with Seymour Civil Engineering on these important projects across the region.

“We are grateful to Seymour for supporting this initiative and we know there are more firms looking forward to getting involved and helping us to highlight the variety and importance of civil engineering to the general public.

“Most of us take for granted the contribution that civil engineering makes to society, but there is a very true saying, that ‘when you understand civil engineering, you see the world differently’. This is what this campaign aims to illustrate.”

Kevin Byrne, Managing Director of Seymour CEC said: “Seymour are proud to be leading the way in supporting the ‘This is Civil Engineering’ campaign. Often it’s only when infrastructure fails or is compromised that the industry’s importance is recognised.

“We need more graduates and youngsters to enter the industry and the ICE campaign is an excellent way to raise awareness.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Penny Marshall .