Amanda Pryce MIEAust CPEng has been announced as this year's Young Professional Engineer of the Year. In announcing the award, the judging panel acknowledged Amanda's self-motivated commitment to supporting the profession. In particular her two-year commitment to engineering in Christchurch in support of the community and the social and economic recovery, demonstrating emotional intelligence and engineering acumen. Her active personal role in encouraging and promoting the engineering profession to young people, through the EngTalk High School program was also commended.
Current job title and function?
Senior Structural Engineer at Aurecon.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
I always enjoyed and was good at maths and science in school, but was never sure how to best apply that into a career. Up until my final year of high school I didn’t even know what an engineer was, until I won an industry scholarship which included spending time at a mine site and speaking with engineers – it was then that I discovered civil and structural engineering, which combined my fascination with buildings and my enjoyment of science and technology.
What has been the most challenging or interesting project you’ve worked on?
I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work on the design and construction of Perth Arena. My task was to understand, design and detail the geometrically complex façade support structure for this iconic building. Not only was this architectural structure very complicated, but it was also exposed to view in many locations, bringing aesthetics as a key consideration into the design solutions.
Any advice for young engineers just starting their career?
For me, two things I would recommend are: saying “yes” to opportunities; and giving back to the community in something you are passionate about.
Saying yes to opportunities has taken me interstate and overseas, including New Zealand to assist with the aftermath of the 2010/2011 Christchurch earthquakes. It has allowed me to work on projects as varied as sports stadiums, earthquake damaged homes, telecommunications infrastructure and firing ranges.
My passion within this industry is helping to encourage and develop the next generation of engineers; especially females, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. I would not be here today if it weren’t for industry professionals making the time to visit my school, and I hope I can give someone else that same opportunity.
What has helped you get ahead and what strategies have helped give you the edge?
My goal has always been to try to enjoy myself and have a rewarding career, while working on interesting projects, with great teams. This industry is constantly changing, so you can’t get your heart too set on working on a particular type of project in a particular location. I think being open to a range of projects and opportunities is key to being adaptable and being able to grow. Always be open to learning new things.
Historically, what engineer has inspired you the most?
Santiago Calatrava combined structural engineering with architecture and fine art (he was also a painter and sculptor). His beautiful and elegant structures are works of art, and his cable-stay bridges, such as the Alamillo Bridge, are some of my favourite examples of engineering.
Amanda is now eligible to represent WA at the national Individual Awards, part of the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards, which will be staged in Brisbane during the Australian Engineering Conference, November 23-25.
For more information on the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards Western Australia 2016, please visit: excellenceawards.org.au/western-australia
Image caption: Amanda Pryce (L) receiving her trophy and certificate from Engineers Australia Western Australia 2016 President Jason Flowerdew (R).