Young Professionals set out their stall to hear the infrastructure views of the next generation

The National Infrastructure Commission’s Young Professionals Panel (YPP) today pledged to ensure the “next generation have a strong voice in infrastructure decision-making,” as they set out details of their first project.

The Young Professionals announced plans to undertake an exciting piece of research on how generational shifts are altering the demands on the UK’s infrastructure network, focusing on the trends associated with Millennials and Generation Z – that is, those born between 1981 and 2012.

Recognising that technological change is triggering patterns of behaviour that vary between age groups, the investigation will examine how young people will affect demand for transport, housing, energy, water and waste services in the coming decades – and how this will differ from the way their parents and grandparents may be using this critical infrastructure.

The Panel will seek the views of young people from across the country, starting with those already working in the infrastructure sector.

Sakthy Selvakumaran, Member of the Young Professionals Panel, said:

“We are delighted to announce our research piece and can’t wait to kick off conversations about the relationship Millennials and those from Generation Z have with infrastructure.

“The world is changing at breakneck speed, so we want to explore how the landscape is shifting and ensure the next generation has a strong voice in infrastructure decision-making, so that the projects of the future meet their needs.”

Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said:

“Most of the decisions we make about infrastructure today will take many years to come to fruition, so it’s clear we need to make young people’s priorities part of the process.

“I look forward to seeing the Panel’s work progress and understanding how their findings can strengthen the thinking of the Commission.”

Professor Sadie Morgan, Commissioner and Chair of the YPP Selection Panel, said:

“This is an important moment in the Panel’s history, and comes at a time when changing trends between generations are creating significant consequences for what our infrastructure needs to deliver.

“This project is the perfect way to channel their exceptional talent and to give fresh perspectives on the big issues we face now and in the future.”

Young Professionals Panel

Launched in April 2018, the Young Professionals Panel comprises 16 talented individuals in the early years of their infrastructure careers, who faced tough competition from 500 other applicants to be selected.

Spanning a wide range of backgrounds, professions and regions, the Young Professionals support and inform the Commission’s work.

The members of the Panel are:

Matthew Ball – Manager, Ofgem – based in London
John Bradburn – Senior Consultant, Atkins – based in Manchester
Alison Caldwell – Principal Engineer, WSP – based in Birmingham
Joshua Dickerson – Associate, Deetu – based in Nottingham
Victor Frebault, Consultant, Arup – based in London
Laura Hawkins – Project Lead, Innovation, UK Power Networks – based in Reading
Jennifer Holgate – Managing Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson – based in Bristol
Dr Rosie Hughes, Innovation & Continuous Improvement Lead (Strategic Highways Europe), AECOM – based in Derby
Annette Jezierska, Co-Founder, The Future Fox – based in London
Madeleine Kessler, Project Architect, Haptic Architects – based in London
Petra Marko, Co-Founder, Marko & Placemakers – based in London
Henry Metcalf, Graduate Engineer, Peter Brett Associates – based in London
Charlotte Mitchell, Associate, Quod – based in London
Christian O’Brien, Engineer, Dandara – based in Southampton
Martin Plant, Associate, McKinsey – based in Surrey
Sakthy Selvakumaran, Civil Engineer/PhD Researcher, University of Cambridge – based in Cambridge