Talking Infrastructure podcast: S3E03: Engineer of the Future

🎙️Talking Infrastructure Season 3: Episode 3: Engineer of the future
Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.
We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.
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Episode 3: Engineer of the Future
In this episode, host James Banks is joined by Dr Sara Venning from Northern Ireland Water, Dr Alice Bunn of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Eloise John, AECOM's energy lead for Europe and India.
Together, they discuss how we can plan, develop, and recruit a workforce fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our guest speakers address questions such as:
What are the key technologies shaping the future of engineering? 
What emerging trends should engineers be aware of and prepare for? 
How can we cultivate greater diversity in the workplace?
How can engineers foster innovation and creativity in their work?
As well as emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, the discussion also highlights the necessity of lifelong learning - and why it’s crucial to remain agile in an industry where future job roles are yet unknown.
Expert speakers:
👉 Dr Alice Bunn Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Former International Director at the UK Space Agency, Dr Alice Bunn is now Chief Executive of the Institution for Mechanical Engineers, supporting their mission of improving the world through engineering.
Alice sits on the Board of Engineering UK; is Chair of the Professional Engineering Committee; is President of the UKSpace trade association; sits on the Board of Directors at the US Space Foundation as well as on the World Economic Forum Future Council on space technology. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a trustee at the drowning prevention charity SwimTayka.
👉 Dr Sara Venning CEO at Northern Ireland Water
Prior to her role as CEO at Northern Ireland (NI) Water, Dr Sara Venning was Customer Operations Manager at Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), which she joined after graduating from Queen’s University Belfast with a Master of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As CEO of NI Water since 2014, Sara brings a passion for excellence that is helping drive transformative change at the company.
Sara is a former President of the Institute of Water, the UK water sector industry body and current President of the WaterAid NI Committee - part of the international WaterAid charity working to transform lives by improving access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.
👉 Eloise John AECOM Energy Lead, Europe and India
Eloise John leads AECOM’s energy sector within the UK and Ireland. With strong ESG principles and inclusive partnership embedded in all her work, Eloise strives to successfully deliver projects which add real value in making the world a better place. With a background in electrical engineering and almost 20 years’ experience in the energy sector, she brings together AECOM’s integrated approach to help clients navigate the transition to a low carbon energy model.
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About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!
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