Excellent engineers

The CIPHE’s primary role for the industry is to help members be the best they can be. It does this by aiding an individual’s career development and potential through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), awards such as the Master Plumber scheme and professional registration at Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) via the Engineering Council.

In our latest blog we explore what registration at EngTech, IEng and CEng entails.

The levels:

Professional registration with the Engineering Council is based on demonstration of competence and commitment. The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) describes the requirements that must be met for registration as an EngTech, IEng or CEng. It’s the first port of call for those wanting to find out more on registration as it includes examples of activities and / or qualifications needed to meet the competence requirements.

For those without formal qualifications at the desired level, the great news is there are other ways of demonstrating achievement and commitment. The even better news is that CIPHE members can access help and support - for all the routes to registration - via the CIPHE membership team. But, before you download the UK-SPEC and get in touch, here’s a quick breakdown of the registration levels:

Engineering Technician (EngTech)

Engineering Technicians are one of the CIPHEs most widely awarded accreditations, and one that is set to considerably grow. Apprentices qualifying via the new Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician trailblazer apprenticeship will need to satisfy the requirements for registration as EngTech. This means EngTech is due to cement itself firmly as the industry standard.

For those not already acquainted with the registration, Engineering Technicians apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical engineering problems. Furthermore, EngTech’s are required to apply safe systems of work and can demonstrate:

• Evidence of their contribution to either the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services
• Supervisory or technical responsibility
• Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters
• Commitment to professional engineering values.

With routes to EngTech available to all - even those with grandfather rights - there really is no excuse to not find out more.

Incorporated Engineer (IEng)

The next level up from EngTech is Incorporated Engineer. Once again, you can apply for this registration without exemplifying qualifications, but you will need to demonstrate you have achieved the same level of knowledge and understanding as those with them.

Those at IEng level are expected to maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation.

At this level, candidates must demonstrate:

• The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in developed technologies using well proven analytical techniques
• Successful application of their knowledge to deliver engineering projects or services using established technologies and methods
• Responsibility for project and financial planning and management together with some responsibility for leading and developing other professional staff
• Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters
• Commitment to professional engineering values.

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Those at CEng level demonstrate the highest level of engineering excellence. Chartered Engineers develop solutions to engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change and/or they may have technical accountability for complex systems with significant levels of risk.

To be considered for this status, Chartered Engineers must demonstrate:

• The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new technologies and develop new analytical techniques
• Successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative products and services and/or take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems
• Accountability for project, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs between technical and socio-economic factors
• Skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff
• Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters.

Candidates can apply for CEng status without exemplifying qualifications, but you will need to demonstrate you have achieved the same level of knowledge and understanding as those who hold them.

Are you interested in finding out more? Contact the CIPHE on 01708 463116 or email membership@ciphe.org.uk

Download the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC)