The Updating of Engineers—Improved Profitability or Just More Courses?

Abstract

The purposes of updating are seen as fa) improving job performance, (b) developing the country's engineering manpower, and (c) increasing job satisfaction. This leads to the actions which can be taken by employers, individuals, government and professional institutions, as well as consideration of the part being played by the Engineering Council. The development of updating plans is an important part of implementing future business plans.

Updating is defined as technical and professional development subsequent to first qualification as a professional practitioner. It can cover a wide range of topics dealt with in many ways, ranging from counselling on the job to a specialized short course or the use of distance learning systems. Information technology (IT) is an important example affecting most of industry. Updating courses usually have a short-term objective and are aimed at solving specific problems—they differ in nature from most initial courses. Finally the questions of certifying and quantifying units of continuing education and training are also considered.

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References

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Competence and competition. Training and education in the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States and Japan. Report by Institute of Manpower Studies for the National Economic Development Office and the Manpower Services Commission, August 1984. (Copies from NEDO, London SW1, ISBN 0 7292 0652 1).

Standards and routes to registration, Policy Statement by the Engineering Council, December 1984.

Cannell

R. L.

The updating of professional engineers, Loughborough University of Technology, 1982 (ISBN 0 905078 05 5).

Continuing education and training, Discussion document by the Engineering Council, March 1985.