Continuous professional development for engineering graduates

CPD Certificate in professional engineering

The transition from University or college life to the world of work requires substantial application and attention. The CPD Certificate in Professional Engineering has been specifically designed in partnership with leading employers to allow recent graduates (up to 12 months out) to get to grips quicker with the professional standards expected of those working in engineering-led teams and organisations. Participants will understand what is expected of them, how they should behave and what they can do to accelerate their professional development and career prospects. The practical, specific learning objectives the Certificate provides includes:

• An understanding of the required approaches and behaviours of a new recruit to an engineering-led organisation
• Techniques for ensuring work is delivered on time
• Methods for handling negativity or disappointment and seeking constructive feedback to learn from Frameworks for foreseeing likely issues, asking appropriate questions and identifying solutions along with problems
• An appreciation of the nature and importance of team-work, liaising with clients and contributing to projects managed by other colleagues
• The environment to practice and improve communications, technical writing and analytical skills
• The skills and tools to optimise Excel as a valuable aid for professional engineering
• An awareness of appropriate dress, use of language, respect for others etc.

CPD Diploma In Professional Engineering

The second strand of the Future Professionals Series is aimed at engineers with between three and six years experience who are committed to deepening their abilities as a professional. The CPD Diploma in Professional Engineering is a partnership that works hand-in-hand with an organisation, its people managers and its graduates to accelerate the development of graduates with some experience and practice into professional engineers. It is intended that participants will develop their skillsets so they can make a significant contribution to their workplace as respected professionals within the engineering sector. The aims and objectives of the diploma are to meet the needs of Irish industry and businesses for engineers who have expanded their knowledge, skills and proficiency as a professional. The specific learning objectives are to provide graduates with:

• A broad-based, up-to-date understanding of the wider capabilities required of a professional engineer
• The theoretical and analytical skills and abilities required to anticipate and manage the engineering requirements of their organisation, including project management, statistical analysis and risk management
• An appreciation of the nature and importance of the financial aspects of engineering, including contracts, claims and dispute resolution
• Frameworks for foreseeing likely issues, asking appropriate questions and identifying solutions along with problems
• An appreciation of the nature and importance of team-work, liaising with clients and contributing to projects managed by other colleagues
• The skills and tools to analyse problems and to use leadership, negotiation and advanced knowledge management skills to make decisions
• A grounded awareness of contemporary developments in Lean Principles and Sustainability in an increasingly global environment
• An understanding of the competencies that lead to the title of Chartered Engineer.

For more on these programmes visit Engineers Ireland