WE all have a morning routine.

For many, the ritual might involve jumping into the shower to wake up for work, for others, it’s flicking the kettle switch to make that first cup of coffee of the day.

But be honest, how many of us stop to think about the origins of such creature comforts?

Chances are the number will be pretty low.

Our habits, are, in fact, shaped a long way by civil engineering.

We rely on the sector every day for clean water and waste removal, for our road networks, railways and tunnels, for the buildings making up the landscape around us.

In this region, the sector is driven forward by the Institution of Civil Engineers North-East (ICE), which represents more than 2,000 civil engineers across County Durham, the Tees Valley, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

Central to its work is Penny Marshall, who was appointed director for the North-East and Yorkshire and Humber earlier this year.

The former mathematics teacher and civil engineering graduate is keen to spread ICE’s message, which includes a focus on gender roles in the sector, and the need to finally banish the myth of a male-only domain.

She said: “There is a bit of a timebomb ticking away in that quite a lot of civil engineers are going to retire in the next ten to 15 years.

“In order to keep the numbers at current levels, we need to widen the pool that we recruit from.

“The gender gap has got better, but the closure of numbers between men and women perhaps not happened to the extent that we had hoped.

“However, we have some fantastic women in North-East industry and it is a great area to work in, regardless of gender.

“I found it difficult to get in and get a job, but once I did I found it easier and easier and there were no attitudes or prejudice.

“There is no reason why anyone can’t get into it.”

Mrs Marshall also reiterated the point about civil engineers’ importance to society, which is a good tool to use during its work in educating youngsters to potential future careers.

She said: “We want to get the message out there that civil engineers are involved in everything you come across in the course of your life.

“It’s all about problem solving.

“From that moment when you turn on the tap on, or use the infrastructure and roads to drive around, everything you do and need involves a civil engineer.

“We wouldn’t have 21st century living without civil engineers.

“That is part of what we tell students in schools and colleges when we pass on the message to youngsters that civil engineering is an option.

“Part of our remit is to help them understand what it is we do and raise the awareness.

“It’s easier with the primary school children, because they believe they can do everything, and that’s why we talk to parents too and help them understand what is possible.

“We also have younger people going in to the schools and colleges to speak to students.

“They see these people in front of them who are starting their careers and have qualifications, but also have the enthusiasm and passion to go further.

“They can relate to them and they leave thinking how that person could very well be them in a few years time.”

Five minutes with... Penny Marshall

Favourite North-East building and why? I’m quite fond of the Malmaison hotel, on Newcastle Quayside. It’s a very early example of re-inforced concrete construction. I actually had a dream to rescue the Hide and Skin works, in Dunston, which is an even earlier example of re-inforced concrete, but sadly that was demolished around the time of the Gateshead Garden Festival.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I was a Saturday girl in Boots on the birthday cards and wrapping paper counter and was paid just under £2 a day.

What is the worst job you've had? A maths teacher. I only did it for a year, and was very bad at it, so apologies to any young people who suffered from my ineptitude in 1979. Actually, they won’t be all that young now.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I wouldn’t. My husband does the cooking. It would be something vegetarian though, and probably spicy – possibly Mexican, or tapas.

What would your superpower be? Mind reading.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. My mum and dad (both deceased) and my two children, who live at the other end of the country (and who never met my Mum). I’m not really into the cult of personality, so have no desire to invite the rich and famous.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A mandolin, for my husband’s 60th birthday. I’m not telling how much.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Never really got to grips with Twitter, sorry, but @ice_ne is a great account for civil engineers to follow.

Favourite book? Emma, by Jane Austen.

When did you last cry? Last week. I’m, a bit of a softie.

What is your greatest achievement? My children (predictable answer) and, after that, becoming a civil engineer at a time when it was fairly unusual for women.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Say yes as often as you can, say no when you need to, but make sure you mean it.

Favourite animal and why? The cat. They are very independent, and not needy, but the cathartic effect of a purring cat on your knee cannot be underestimated.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Probably my husband who is well-known in computing circles

What was the last band you saw live? Ally Bain and Phil Cunningham.

Describe your perfect night in? A sunny summer evening in the garden, with a bottle of nice wine, yummy food, friends, and nobody waiting for me to do something.

In another life I would be... A tree, preferably one of those lovely feathery acers.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Maggie Smith, or possibly Keira Knightley. I think we are both stronger and more forceful than we look.

What irritates you? People saying they will do something, and then not doing it.

What's your secret talent? Not sure it’s particularly a secret, but some of my engineering colleagues might be surprised to hear I am quite nifty with a pair of knitting needles and a sewing machine. I can also clog dance.