National Engineering Day 2025: It’s time to re-engineer what it means to be an engineer

National Engineering Day is an annual celebration held on 5 November to raise awareness of how engineers shape the future and improve everyday life in the UK. It aims to make engineering and engineers more visible, especially to young people, by showcasing the creativity, diversity, and impact of the profession. In recognition of this day, we sat down with some of our engineers to discuss their experiences in the industry.

Lucy McCoy discusses what being an engineer means to her, and how she sees her role evolving in the future: “To me, being an engineer means facing new challenges every day. Each challenge presents an opportunity to develop solutions that contribute to the growth of the built environment and move us closer to achieving our sustainability goals. No two days are ever the same, as each project brings unique obstacles and objectives. This variety keeps the work engaging and ensures that, as an engineer, you are constantly learning, adapting, and improving.

Beyond the technical side, engineering is deeply collaborative and creative. Working alongside others to design innovative, sustainable solutions that have real-world impact is what makes this profession so fulfilling. As our world evolves, I’m driven by the opportunity to use engineering to shape a more resilient and sustainable future.

I envision a future in engineering that revolves almost entirely around sustainability. With the built environment being the largest contributor to carbon emissions annually, we as an industry have a responsibility to make the much-needed changes to save our climate. While we currently strive for net zero design, I believe that in the future this will become a requirement rather than an aspiration. As the climate continues to change, the built environment industry will play a crucial role in driving climate action, and that shift needs to begin now.

With developments of industry technology and design approaches, I can see the future being highly collaborative, with international advice for bespoke projects becoming the norm. This global exchange of knowledge will foster more efficient and inventive design solutions, enabling teams to tackle any challenge with precision.  

A career in engineering is an exciting one, with incredible potential for growth and innovation!”

Lucy isn’t the only one who believes sustainability will be at the forefront of the industry as it evolves. Jude McLoughlin echoed this belief. While his journey to being an engineer was not a traditional one, it too was heavily influenced by the push for a more sustainable industry. Discussing his journey, he said,

“The engineering industry is evolving rapidly, and with it, the traditional image of what it means to be an engineer. Gone are the days when engineers followed a linear path, studying a specific discipline and working strictly within that niche. Today, engineering is becoming more interdisciplinary, adaptable, and sustainability-focused, opening doors to new and unexpected career paths.

My own path into engineering reflects this exciting shift. After finishing secondary school, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, where I specialised in physics and mechanical engineering. This foundation gave me a broad scientific understanding and didn’t limit me to a single field. Instead, it sparked a curiosity about how different disciplines could come together to solve complex problems.

Following my bachelor’s, I took a step towards the future of engineering by completing a master’s degree in sustainable energy systems. My focus was on energy generation, far from traditional construction engineering. I explored renewable technologies and innovative ways to create cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. It was a specialised field that didn’t directly relate to construction but addressed one of the biggest challenges our world faces.

Despite my non-construction background, I interviewed for a graduate sustainability engineer role at Cundall and got the job. This experience highlighted how the industry values diverse expertise and fresh perspectives. It’s clear that engineering is no longer about fitting into a predefined mould. Instead, it’s about blending skills and knowledge, to create sustainable solutions that will shape our built environment for the better.

Given the current devastating consequences of climate change, I firmly believe (and hope!) that the future of the construction industry will be sustainability focused. Construction has a significant environmental impact, and it’s crucial that the industry embraces innovative, green solutions to build more sustainable, resilient infrastructure.”

Aisa Rosaz discusses how her role doesn’t fit the mould of a traditional engineering role. She said, “As a Civil Information Modelling Manager, I work in a fully digital environment, creating detailed 3D models of the infrastructure hidden beneath our feet - pipes, cables, ducting, and foundations. These models help us plan and coordinate underground services like electricity, water, and communications before any physical work begins.

Using tools like augmented reality goggles, we can walk through these virtual environments and visualise how elements will be built and how they’ll look in the real world. It’s a powerful way to spot potential issues early and ensure everything fits together seamlessly. 

I collaborate daily with multidisciplinary teams, learning from experts in fields far beyond my own. Working with international colleagues from differing backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that better serve society.

Engineering today is incredibly diverse. Digital tools are transforming how we design and build, and there’s a wide range of career paths that go far beyond the traditional view. It’s a field for the curious and collaborative - people who want to solve real-world problems and create a more sustainable future.” 

National Engineering Day is a powerful reminder of the vital role engineers play in shaping a better future. From designing sustainable infrastructure to pioneering digital innovations, the stories shared by Lucy, Jude, and Aisa highlight the diversity, creativity, and purpose that define modern engineering. Their experiences reflect a profession that is evolving rapidly - embracing sustainability, collaboration, and inclusivity. As we celebrate the contributions of engineers across the UK, we also look ahead with optimism, knowing that the next generation of engineers will continue to push boundaries and build a more resilient, equitable world.