Videos

Engineers spread happiness

23 September 2014

The civil engineers behind some of London’s most iconic infrastructure projects have put on their dancing shoes to prove that they are not boring but are in fact full of joy and totally inspiring.

The London branch of the Institution of Civil Engineers has produced this six minute video showing an array of engineers dancing to Pharrell Williams’ hit song Happy against a backdrop of major civil engineering achievements, such as Crossrail tunnels and the London Olympic Stadium.

ICE London director Miranda Housden said: “We know many young boys and girls are gifted with the attributes, skills and interests that sit at the heart of engineering – a fascination with the latest technology, a need to design, create and build things, and an inquisitiveness about how things work and why. Many of these are also naturally adept at maths and physics. 

“Yet only half of 11-14 year olds would consider a career in engineering, and less than one in ten plans to be an engineer once they finish their education. This is because they don’t know enough about the profession and the exciting and rewarding careers that are in their grasp, and also carry the perception that engineering is uncreative and boring.

“We want to bust this myth, showcasing through the communication networks young people use and the music they listen to, some of the awe inspiring projects civil engineers are delivering and who our people really are – creative, smart, diverse teams whose work makes a difference to our lives every single day whether protecting us from flooding, getting us to work, ensuring we have clean water or designing and building magnificent sporting venues.

“What better way to do this than through a tribute to Pharrell Williams’ Happy hit. We encourage everyone to watch and share our Engineering Happiness film and join us in inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

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