The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched ICE Futures, an educational careers website designed to inform and inspire students, helping them understand what civil engineers do and how they shape the world around us. ICE Futures is a free, interactive platform that makes exploring civil engineering careers easy and fun.
According to a BBC Bitesize careers survey, ‘engineer’ is a top career choice for teenagers, ranking second only to ‘doctor’. ICE Futures is an accessible way to see what a civil engineer does and how to become one.
It follows three relatable characters – Mae, Robyn and Omar – on their professional journey through a futuristic city, Brighthaven, that evolves over 50 years.
Developed by immersive learning experts, Make Real, and civil engineers, the platform reflects a credible future in engineering.
It’s also been designed to support teachers and career advisers. It is a curriculum-friendly resource that aligns to Gatsby benchmarks 1 and 4 and highlights how key subjects like maths, science, and geography connect to engineering careers.
Students from schools in Hertfordshire, Caterham (Surrey), and Belfast worked with the team to trial the website and get a sneak peek of the planned content.
Website users follow Mae, Robyn, and Omar to learn about the infrastructure projects the characters are working on to improve the city and its climate resilience, public transport, and facilities.
Users must make decisions such as whether they should repurpose materials for local developments and complete mini games to further the story. For example, to improve Brighthaven’s rail system, they connect rail lines in a maze challenge.
As the narrative unfolds, bite-size information and short quizzes reinforce key concepts. More in-depth information on relevant topics, like how civil engineers work with communities, is integrated into the story and users can visit the ICE website or other educational platforms to read more.
Student testers from John Warner School, Hertfordshire, said:
“I love the narrative voice and the fact it’s simple to use. I was really impressed by how the characters aged and as time goes on the world changes too due to their work. It helped me understand the different subjects that could help my career, and I thought it was amazing.
“I was really amused by the games, and I was impressed by how much information there was about different types of engineering you can do and what it’s like.”
Séan Harris, ICE deputy director general and director of membership, said:
“By making career exploration interactive and engaging, ICE Futures enables young people to understand the transformative impact of civil engineering, and how pursuing a career in this industry could help society.
“ICE Futures underscores the Institution of Civil Engineers’ commitment to education and to cultivating a diverse, skilled talent pipeline that will shape the future of the industry.”
