What draws me back to mentor students on this ICE challenge

The first time I played the ICE CityZen challenges, I was immediately captivated by its ability to bring civil engineering to life.

I recognised it as a powerful platform to educate students on the critical decisions we make, the challenges we overcome, and the profound impact we have on the world.

But what convinced me to become a CityZen mentor was learning that students had to apply their knowledge to innovatively and sustainably address civil engineering issues in their local communities.

The blend of critical thinking, practical application and creativity was an opportunity I simply couldn't pass.

Returning mentor

I began my journey as a CityZen mentor in 2022.

The mentorship experience proved to be a rewarding two-way exchange, fostering mutual discovery and learning.

It also reinforced the importance of explaining engineering concepts in relatable and inspiring ways, helping me to improve my communication and coaching skills.

I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to return as a mentor in 2024.

Team Reptech25's idea

My team for the 2024-2025 competition consisted of four enthusiastic and motivated boys from Repton High School: Fisayo, Martin, Arthur, and Thomas. They made up Team Reptech25.

Their project focused on optimising underused land next to the River Trent in Willington, Derby.

Their innovative solution? Install elevated solar panels projected to generate around 30% of Repton’s energy demand while still allowing cows to graze underneath.

This approach maximises land use without compromising its current purpose.

Shaping the solution

As their mentor, I drew from my experience as a senior design manager at Galliford Try Infrastructure to guide the team in refining their solution.

I emphasised the importance of considering the project’s entire lifecycle from conception to decommissioning.

I encouraged the students to think critically, assess potential risks and opportunities, and reflect on the broader impact of their ideas.

Witnessing their development was truly inspiring. I saw them add layers of detail to their proposal, transforming initial concepts into robust, well-thought-out plans.

They asked insightful questions that demonstrated their growing understanding and engagement with the project.

This progress highlighted their dedication but also reinforced the value of working together, making the experience rewarding for all of us.

Celebrating success

The video they created to showcase their idea was truly exceptional. It featured impressive cinematography, thoughtful background music, smooth transitions, and a clear, confident explanation of their proposal.

I was thrilled to learn that the team received the Loud Speaker Special Prize for communication skills. This was a proud moment and a well-deserved acknowledgement of their hard work.

I had the pleasure of attending the winners’ lunch at the ICE HQ and meeting David Porter, the ICE Senior Vice President.

We also met the other winning teams and the passionate individuals who contributed to making the ICE CityZen competition a success.

Fully supported

As a mentor, I was well-equipped with a comprehensive mentor guide that provided all the information I needed.

I also felt fully supported throughout my mentoring journey, with the ICE CityZen team responding promptly to any queries I raised via email.

Flexibility: virtual or in person

The mentoring programme offered flexibility, allowing me to support students virtually.

On average, I dedicated around 30 minutes each week to virtual meetings, which were usually scheduled during lunchtime or after school.

I also spent approximately 60 minutes each week researching ideas, preparing for upcoming sessions, and responding to student questions via email.

Get involved

I wholeheartedly encourage my fellow ICE members to get involved.

Becoming a CityZen mentor goes beyond simply volunteering.

It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand how young people realise the transformative power of engineering in shaping the world around them.

If you’re seeking a way to give back, grow, and be inspired, please sign up to be a mentor.