The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

About The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

ICE is a global membership organisation and our aim is to promote and advance civil engineering around the world. We were founded in 1818 by three young civil engineers, who held their first meeting in a Fleet Street café. Today, ICE has become the home of civil engineering, with 80,000 members spread over 152 countries. And all of our members have one thing in common…a passion for civil engineering!

As the main professional qualifications body for civil engineering, we ensure that the professional high standards needed to become a civil engineer are met. Membership of ICE is recognised around the world not only as a sign of your dedication and commitment, but also of your expertise and skill.

The Institution is an internationally recognised source of civil engineering knowledge and expertise. Thanks to our members, we have the authority to inform, advise on and influence government policies such as the National Infrastructure Plan and the Localism Bill. ICE also maintains a close relationship with UK government and the devolved administrations, making its voice heard on infrastructure planning, funding and resilience.

ICE has a responsibility to supporting our civil engineers of the future. This is embedded in everything we do. But next year we also plan to step up the digitisation of our library books; deliver another Create Sport Challenge that engages with young people; encourage more employers to sign up our ICE apprenticeship scheme; increase our employer engagement; and provide more support for unemployed or underemployed graduates.

Getting ahead

ICE understands that young people are the new generations of civil engineers, so we are here to offer support and advice throughout university and after graduation. There are different levels of membership and professional qualification that enable you to develop your skills and realise your full potential.

Even though membership with ICE is not automatic and it has to be earned, it is widely viewed as a significant personal achievement and a benchmark of a technician's or engineer's competences and professional standing. By becoming a professional qualified civil engineer, you will gain:

• Recognition – an internationally respected qualification with recognised industry accreditation
• Enhanced professional status – identifying you as having competencies that employers value
• Increased job prospects – by improving your professional standing and earning potential
• Better chance of career progression – by qualifying as professionally qualified civil engineers
• ICE membership – making you part of an established and well-respected Institution
• Networking opportunities and knowledge resources – through access to a range of ICE events, our vast library and an array of civil engineering publications

How we can help

We know that climbing the career ladder isn’t always about changing jobs. It’s also about developing in your current role and increasing your knowledge and understanding – and we have a range of opportunities to help you do this.

Scholarships

ICE offers two QUEST scholarships for students. QUEST was set up in 1977 to support and encourage education in civil engineering. These well-respected scholarships are associated with excellence. The selection process is competitive and attracts high-calibre applicants. The two scholarships are Undergraduate and Technician Scholarships.

The Undergraduate Scholarships support civil engineering undergraduates starting their degree. The scholarship can offer up to £2,000 per year and work experience placements each summer with a top civil engineering company. They also allow students to get a head start in becoming a professionally qualified civil engineer.

The Technician Scholarship helps full or part-time students studying a qualification in civil engineering or construction which could lead to professional qualification as an Engineering Technician. Each successful scholar can receive up to £1,500 over the duration of their course.

Read more on ice.org.uk/QUEST

Embedded Technician Scheme

In recent years, ICE created a scheme that integrates academic qualification and professional development. This scheme can lead to a professional qualification of Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) and ICE Technician membership (TMICE) at the early stages of your career. It is suitable for individuals who want to engage in professional engineering activity while gaining an education qualification.

Read more on ice.org.uk/MGN51

ICE-approved company training schemes

ICE works with employers to develop structured training schemes that give you the experience you will need to gain a professional qualification. Launched in 2008, over 90 organisations have now signed up to this scheme, including many major consultants and contractors.

To join a scheme, you must enter into a Training Agreement which links you, your employer and ICE. The agreement commits employers to:

• Provide a supervising civil engineer (SCE) to support employees and act as a mentor
• Help their employees fulfil ICE’s development objectives and support them in becoming professionally qualified
• Work with the ICE regional teams to maintain a high standard of training

ICE’s regional teams will provide active assistance and guidance to you as a trainee throughout the scheme.

Read more on ice.org.uk/ta

Training courses

Structured training is a good way to acquire new knowledge and skills; and to develop those you already have. Thomas Telford Training offers a wide range of training courses that can help your initial professional development (IPD), your professional review and your continuing professional development (CPD). The courses are designed for each these three areas and are taught by knowledgeable, experienced and helpful tutors.

Read more on tttrain.co.uk

Awards and competitions

Various awards and competitions showcase members’ research and specialist knowledge and recognise those whose contributions really stand out. Our awards are split into four general areas:

• Individual achievements
• Projects of special merit
• Papers
• Professional review reports

Through these types of awards and competitions, you’ll have opportunities to meet and learn from experienced engineers.

Read more on ice.org.uk/awards

Graduate and Student Committee

ICE always encourages our members to get involved with committees either at the regional and national level. As Student and Graduate members, you can join the regional Graduate and Student Committee. This allows you to meet fellow students and colleagues. It is also a good forum for developing your professional skills such as negotiating, presenting and time management.

Read more on ice.org.uk/gsnet

Join ICE

As mentioned previously, ICE offers different levels of membership that are dependent on where you are in your civil engineering career. By becoming a member you will demonstrate your commitment to the profession to current and potential employers and colleagues. ICE is looking for individuals with a love for engineering and the drive to make a difference.

As a member, you will enjoy a whole host of benefits including:

• Essential reference material and specialist papers – FREE access to the largest civil engineering library in the world and access to the ICE virtual library
• Help with any civil engineering question – FREE 24-hour Ask Brunel! service
• Member information – FREE monthly member e-newsletter
• Industry news and views – up to 65% off subscription to New Civil Engineer magazine
• Eligibility for scholarships, awards and prizes – such as QUEST
• Courses, competitions and socialising – through the Graduates and Students Network (GSNet)
• Career development support – from your Regional Support Teams
• Expert guidance – on how to become professionally qualified

So if you are a student, we offer FREE student membership as we understand that being a student means every penny counts.

For those who have graduated, you can join ICE as a Graduate member and take the next step to a professional career in civil engineering.

Join today and show the world that you are committed to becoming a professionally qualified civil engineer.

ice.org.uk/students
ice.org.uk/graduates