Four engineers from the North East and Yorkshire have been recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the oldest professional engineering association in the world.
Nick Zissler, who grew up in Richmond, who works as a design engineer for Network Rail in York was awarded Chartered Civil Engineer Membership; Kevin Miller, who grew up in Longbenton, who works as a reservoir safety manager for Northumbrian Water in Newcastle, was elected as a Fellow; Doncaster’s Brent Eastell, a design manager for Amey in Birmingham, and Sheffield’s Matthew Harry Clarke, a project manager for Balfour Beatty in Leeds, were presented with their membership certificates by ICE President Andrew Wyllie, CBE at a special ceremony held at ICE’s headquarters in Westminster, London.
Nick said: “I’ve always liked figuring out how things work, taking things to bits and re-building them. Working on the Civil Assessment Framework Agreement, delivering assessments of significant railway structures ensuring the network is safe has been my career highlight to date.”
Kevin said: “Just one of many highlights in my career was having the opportunity to work as an engineer for the main contractor on the construction of Palmeit Pump Storage Scheme in the Cape Province, South Africa.
“The primary function of this dam originally was to provide cheaper electricity, however, it is very satisfying to me to observe how it is now key in providing much needed water during the current, unfortunate drought in the Cape Province.
“I watched unused, undisturbed pieces of land being developed into roads, bridges, power stations and multitudinous other construction assets which we all use in our daily lives.
“Later this inspiration continued by being part of huge team ensuring there is a consistent supply of drinkable water for us all to enjoy now and well into the future.”
Brent said: “The drive of myself and my colleagues inspired me to become a member of ICE, I would greatly recommend this to anyone, it is a worthwhile accreditation to have, at any stage of your career.
“Working on the clean water Eastcoast pipeline for Yorkshire water has been my career highlight to date.”
Matthew said: “Engineering is all around us and we take it for granted every day. The consideration as to why something works and what can be done better motivates a typical engineer.
“My career highlight was being responsible for, and completing, the power reinforcement project in Newcastle. It was an underground extra high voltage cable installation of 8km in the public highway, delivered with as minimum disruption to the community as possible.”
ICE represents more than 92,000 civil engineers and technicians across the world who design, build and maintain transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure.
Penny Marshall, regional director of ICE North East and ICE Yorkshire and Humber, said: “These awards are significant personal and career achievements and we are proud to welcome Nick and Kevin as a member and Fellow respectively of ICE.
“They join a community of professionals who are committed to shaping, improving and protecting the infrastructure on which we all depend. ICE congratulates Nick and Kevin on their success.”
Pictured are: (L-R): Kevin Miller, Matthew Harry Clarke and Nick Zissler,