A review of recent and forthcoming developments at the Institution of Civil Engineers by ICE president David Balmforth. For further information please contact the communications office on +44 20 7665 2107, email communications@ice.org.uk or visit www.ice.org.uk//news-public-affairs.
Manifesto for infrastructure
ICE's manifesto for infrastructure 2015 was launched in February 2015. It is the centrepiece of ICE's ‘Commit to infrastructure' campaign for the UK general election on 7 May 2015.
The manifesto calls on the next government to place infrastructure at the heart of its economic plans in order to help Britain succeed in driving long-term growth and job creation. It warns that failing to make infrastructure an investment priority, or instead opting for quick electoral wins, could result in other competing nations edging ahead and the UK's resilience diminishing.
Whoever gains power this month should establish a long-term vision for UK infrastructure and a framework that puts the vision above political fault lines. Steps should also be taken to unlock the potential of city-regions, to ‘future proof' infrastructure and to secure a world-class engineering workforce that can drive innovation and productivity.
The launch was attended by over 90 senior politicians, business leaders and journalists and was followed by regional hustings to ensure a UK-wide impact. An animation of the manifesto was created to support the #commit2infrastructure social media campaign, viewed by over 1000 people. Over 50 publications reported the launch including The Times and Daily Telegraph. 
ICE's manifesto calls on the next UK government to make infrastructure an investment priority
For further details visit www.ice.org.uk/icemanifesto.
Apprenticeships and technicians
Britain's ‘National apprenticeship week' on 9−13 March 2015 gave ICE a platform to promote the benefits of apprenticeships and how vocational schemes can get people on the path to a lifelong career in civil engineering. In civil engineering, apprentices can work towards ICE technician member (EngTech TMICE) status and then progress to associate member or member status in the future.
Throughout the week, engineering technicians who have recently passed their technician review following an apprenticeship were profiled in national and regional media and through social media channels.
EngTech Now − a joint venture between ICE, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology − also launched its first white paper The experience gap. 
ICE president David Balmforth presents Arup apprentice Kate Matthews with a TMICE certificate
Everyone − government, industry and society − should take practical steps to raise the career opportunities and status of technicians and apprentices. I am delighted to see so many leading UK employers commit to driving this forward, and encourage others to get involved and embed this qualification into their programmes.
Revamped awareness campaign
ICE has launched a bigger and better version of its popular This is civil engineering awareness campaign. Originally launched in 2012, the campaign has led to large banners being displayed on a wide range of infrastructure construction sites across the UK, helping members of the public to recognise what civil engineers do.
The relaunch will see new banners that make a clearer link between the work taking place and the positive impact it will have on the community. For example, they will explain how a new water treatment plant will improve the quality of tap water, or how works at a train station will help to avoid delays. Bespoke banners are made depending on the type of project and all host the company logo. 
Examples of ICE's new, more informative awareness campaign banners for UK infrastructure construction sites
I encourage everyone to take part in this simple but effective way of raising awareness of our profession and its role in society. Email thisis@ice.org.uk for more information.
