Northumbrian Water worker awarded one of the highest grades of Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) membership

Carol Cairns, from Sunderland, has been a member of the ICE for nearly 30 years since she graduated from Sunderland University with a Civil Engineering degree.

Now, the 49-year-old has been awarded an ICE Fellowship, the most senior grade of membership reserved for senior civil engineers who have made a significant contribution to the profession.

She’s one of just nine females in the North East who have achieved Fellowship status, another being Northumbrian Water’s Chief Executive, Heidi Mottram, and they join a total of 99 Fellows from ICE North East’s membership.

Carol, who is married with two teenage children, was inspired to become an engineer by a teacher while in secondary school, and first began her career as a graduate engineer working for Northumberland County Council.

She joined Northumbrian Water in October 2012 as a Project Manager, and worked her way up to Strategic Planning Manager, where she now helps to plan some of the company’s biggest investment and improvement schemes to make sure the infrastructure is fit for the future.

Some of the highlights of Carol’s career include leading work on many projects to reduce the risk of flooding across the North East, and helping to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

Carol Cairns

She said: “To become an ICE Fellow really means a lot to me and I’m so proud. It’s recognition for my career to date, and the positive impact that I’ve had through my work.

“As a female, I’d like to hope that this achievement can inspire young girls who may be considering a career in STEM subjects and will encourage many more to follow their passion for engineering.

“I’d also advise anyone with a career in civil engineering to become part of the ICE as it provides a pathway for career progression, an opportunity to network and share learning, and helps you keep in touch with innovation in the industry.”

Carol will be presented with her Fellowship certificate at an awards ceremony in December.

NEWS CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

Thames Water appoints Julian Gething in newly created role as Chief Restructuring Officer

Thames Water has appointed Julian Gething in a newly created role as Chief Restructuring Officer to provide specialist advice as it continues its complex...

Vicky Gray joins Bruton Knowles as Associate, strengthening CPO expertise in the East of England

Bruton Knowles has announced the appointment of Vicky Gray as an Associate who will be based from its Bury St. Edmunds hub. Vicky joins...

Star-shape blade design ready to macerate solids at wastewater and biogas plants

Borger has launched a new cutting-basket macerator that helps protect wastewater/biogas pumps and downstream equipment by consistently mashing solids. Designed with pivoted cutting blades that...

First Business Water rebrands to Pozitive Water

First Business Water has rebranded as Pozitive Water Limited, following its 2023 acquisition by PE - the largest independent B2B energy supplier in the...