Globally trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM received major recognition for its mentorship and training leadership and achievements at the 2024 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards. Associate Director Isak Malherbe won Mentor of the Year, while Erika Braune received a commendation in the Young Engineer of the Year category.
Isak serves a pivotal role in the Surface Water Management Department for Africa. As a mentor, he has devoted 15 years to the technical development of aspiring engineers within a structured ECSA-accredited mentoring programme. His unwavering commitment to mentoring and coaching shines through his longstanding involvement in AECOM’s structured mentoring programme.
Since 2009, Isak has guided 14 candidates, actively supporting them on their path, toward professional registration. Beyond this, he provides daily mentoring support to candidate and professional colleagues within his department.
Isak completed a mentoring and coaching programme with Mentors and Business Coaches International in 2018, earning accreditation as an Internationally Accredited Mentor in 2019. His understanding of the ECSA requirements for candidacy training is also illustrated by the fact that several candidates he has previously mentored have successfully obtained their professional registrations.
Isak’s invaluable mentorship extends beyond AECOM into the wider engineering field. His reputation as an expert has led to multiple invitations as an external lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch’s River Hydraulics, Floods, and Stormwater Short Course. Isak’s impact as a mentor reverberates throughout the engineering community, inspiring and shaping the next generation of professionals.
“Isak’s extensive engineering experience, honed skills and expanded professional network make him an invaluable resource for his mentees. His active listening, constructive feedback and empathetic guidance contribute to their success,” comments Darrin Green, Africa MD at AECOM. He adds that Isak’ technical expertise, teaching skills and mentoring abilities provide a strong foundation to develop his mentees’ technical competence.
Erika (29) believes that civil engineers leave indelible footprints of growth on the earth’s surface, serving society. As an engineer, she embraces the responsibility of stewarding resources and considers it a privilege to craft solutions that uplift communities through sustainable development. Her career reflects personal growth, shaped by collaboration with exceptional engineers on legacy projects. Erika’s postgraduate research yielded vital sustainable solutions tailored for municipalities, earning her industry recognition and awards from Stellenbosch University and IMESA.
Over her first four years in consulting, she tackled complex international and local projects, collaborating with multicultural, interdisciplinary teams to deliver excellence at various scales. Erika’s passion extends to mentoring young engineers and active participation in professional forums. Her involvement in the SAICE Water committee and university presentations promises an exciting future. Within her community, she engages in outreach and sustainability initiatives, holding leadership positions.
“Undoubtedly, Erika’s determined, and passionate approach will continue leaving positive growth footprints in our community. This commendation recognises her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the field of engineering,” says Green.
AECOM offers a variety of mentorship and training programs designed to support career development at all levels. Early career programmes include summer internships and graduate development programmes. Interns and graduates are exposed to meaningful experiences and supported by a global network of experts. The programmes stress creativity, flexibility and diversity. Each graduate is assigned a mentor to guide them towards professional qualifications. AECOM also funds the cost of membership for each graduate’s chosen professional institution.
Employees are encouraged to become innovative thinkers, supportive managers and impactful leaders. AECOM’s programmes support the growth of both technical capabilities and professional skills. The programmes are designed to help employees at different stages of their careers, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to grow and succeed.
The 2024 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards took place on 14 August at Vodacom World in Midrand. Organised by Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) in partnership with Aon South Africa, the awards celebrate outstanding engineering achievements and contributions to infrastructure development in South Africa. The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration within the engineering sector, showcasing projects and professionals that have made significant impacts.
