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On 4 March, the global community celebrated World Engineering Day, an occasion to acknowledge the indispensable contribution of engineering in our contemporary world. The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) takes a look at the importance of this day and what the future holds for engineering in Europe.

Spearheaded by UNESCO, this day serves to illuminate the pivotal role of engineering in tackling modern environmental and societal challenges head on.

These include combatting the far-reaching consequences of climate change and pioneering sustainable solutions that benefit society worldwide.

This years theme is Engineering solutions for a sustainable world. With the relentless escalation of climate change the need for innovative approaches has never been more urgent.

Only too aware of the imminent emergency, EFCA and its community passionately urges young people to consider engineering as the career of choice.

In line with this ambition, EFCAs Swiss member association, suisse.ing Swiss Association of Consulting Engineers, has embarked on a remarkable initiative aimed at directly engaging with (primary) schools.

Its underpinning notion is that engineers are the architects of our environment and fundamental to shaping a prosperous future.

By highlighting the innate inclination of children towards engineering-related activities during playtime, the association has sought to ignite curiosity and passion among the next generation of engineers.

On World Engineering Day, engineers from the association made their way to primary schools, sharing captivating stories about their work, at the same time inspiring budding engineers with their innovative endeavors.

Livia Brahier, head of communications at suisse.ing, encapsulated the significance of this initiative, stating, Every child is a potential engineer. Direct interaction between schools and engineers is an important element in raising awareness of our industry and counteracting the prevailing shortage of skilled labour in Switzerland.

While we constantly emphasise engineering as a viable career path for future generations, EFCA equally prioritises the advancement and development of young professionals who have already chosen engineering as their career.

To empower and elevate this next generation of engineering talent, EFCA launched the Future Leaders Network in 2019. This platform acts as a dynamic hub where young professionals come together to exchange knowledge, share ideas and learn from each others experiences.

In line with the overarching theme of this years World Engineering Day, the Future Leaders Network places a special emphasis on promoting sustainable practices across various European countries.

On 24 May, they will hold their annual EFCA Future Leaders Day in Madrid, with a focused agenda on driving the green transition in Spain.

Collaborating closely with industry experts from Spain, the event will feature illuminating discussions centred around sustainable engineering practices within the country.

Just before the event, EFCAs community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the 2024 EFCA Future Leaders Awards.

This prestigious competition represents a golden opportunity for emerging talent within the engineering realm to showcase their prowess.

This year, significant revisions have been made to the competitions regulations, notably incorporating new excellence categories.

Entrants are now assessed across a spectrum of criteria, including the Quality of Submission Presentation, Engineering, Digital & New Technologies, Impact on Climate & Biodiversity, and Contribution to Society.

The competition is open to all future leaders under the age of 35, employed by a company affiliated with an EFCA member association.

The winners will be unveiled during the EFCA International GAM & Conference 2024 in Madrid. Details of the conference, which is open to all, can be found at https://efcagammadrid2024.eu.

As we reflect on the celebrations of 4 March and the global initiatives undertaken by UNESCO and other organisations, it is evident that nurturing talent and fostering innovation are key pillars in advancing engineering solutions for a sustainable world.

From inspiring the next generation of engineers through direct engagement with schools, to providing a platform for young professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas through the Future Leaders Network, EFCA and its community continue to promote engineering as the career of choice.

As we look ahead to the Future Leaders Day in Madrid and the announcement of the EFCA Future Leaders Awards, we are again struck by the remarkable potential within the engineering community to drive meaningful change and shape a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

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EFCA: Looking to the future of engineering - Construction Briefing