I am often asked about membership of professional institutions and degree course availability. Typically “What do I have to do to become a member of a particular institution, and what institution would I recommend” or “Is there a degree course that covers everything that Maricuda does”.
Unfortunately there is no standard answer that fits all. The conventional route to professional engineer status for a school leaver is . . .
- decide on an engineering discipline based on aptitude and interest eg; civil, mechanical, electrical etc.
- work towards university entry in order to study your chosen subject at degree level
- join an institution which best represents your field of interest
- gain work experience in industry which is relevant to your degree subject
- apply for chartered status through the institution
I must stress that this is not the only route to professional engineer. Age, experience and qualifications, are all factors that determine which of the routes available is right for you. As always, my advice is ‘talk to the people whose job it is to help you make these important career decisions’.
If you are interested in routes to membership and details of degree courses, please use the contact details below. I am still available to take questions on general engineering topics if required and all emails received will be answered eventually.
David Aitken.
Brunel University
Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PHTelephone: +44 (0)1895 274000 Website: www.brunel.ac.uk/sed
The Institution of Civil Engineers
ICE One Great George Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3AATelephone: +44 (0) 7222 7722 Email: membership@ice.org.uk Website: www.ice.org.uk
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
IMechE 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London, SW1H 9JJTelephone: +44 (0) 84 5226 9191 Email: membership@imeche.org Website: www.imeche.org
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
RINA 10 Upper Belgrave Street, London, SW1X 8BQTelephone: +44 (0)20 7235 4622 Email: membership@rina.org.uk Website: www.rina.org.uk
