ICE North West Awards highlight mentoring, infrastructure delivery
A civil engineering mentor working on apprenticeship reform has been recognised at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West Awards 2026, alongside projects spanning transport, flood resilience and education infrastructure across the region.
The annual awards, held at the Hilton Hotel Liverpool City Centre on 7 May, brought together around 300 industry professionals and recognised achievement across technical delivery, innovation and professional development.
Among the winners, Colin Buckle, associate technical director at Arcadis, received the Mentor Award for his contribution to supporting engineers across the North West and beyond.
Mentor recognised for role in apprenticeship reform and Skills England work
Buckle’s award recognises his wider impact on skills development in the sector, including mentoring early-career engineers and delivering online sessions to support other mentors.
He has also been appointed to the Skills England Construction Apprenticeship Assessment Reform Taskforce, where he is contributing to the development of future apprenticeship frameworks across the industry.
ICE North West regional director Emma Antrobus said: “Our awards recognise excellence, collaboration and innovative concepts in civil engineering practice, plus outstanding members within the ICE North West region.
“This year we received over 60 nominations across ten categories. Each entry demonstrated how engineers are tackling the problems society is facing today. From pioneering new solutions that reduce carbon and minimise waste, to adding social value and enhancing spaces, civil engineers play an important role in shaping our environment and infrastructure.”
Civil engineering projects recognised across transport, resilience and education
The awards also highlighted a wide range of infrastructure schemes delivered across the region.
Winners included the Wigan to Bolton Rail Electrification in the Large Project category, recognised for its role in improving regional rail capacity and performance.
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In transport infrastructure, the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal received the Constructability Award, reflecting complex delivery requirements on a major marine gateway project.
Flood resilience schemes were also recognised, including the Lower Risk Debris Screens installed across sites in Merseyside and Greater Manchester, alongside highly commended work on Greater Manchester SuDS Design Guidance.
Education infrastructure featured in the Medium Project category, with Pear Tree High School acknowledged for its delivery as part of ongoing investment in specialist learning environments.
Other recognised projects included pipeline upgrades, public realm improvements in Withington, and the A59 Corridor Improvements, which received the Mercer Innovation Award.
Focus on future workforce and engineering delivery
Alongside project awards, individual engineers were recognised across early career, graduate, apprenticeship and STEM engagement categories.
Organisers said the entries reflected increasing emphasis on sustainability, innovation and social value within civil engineering delivery, as well as continued focus on addressing skills shortages across the sector.
