Membership voice, September - October 2005
I am often asked what is the meaning of the 'T' in TWI. The answer is 'The' from The Welding Institute, and it has its roots in the history of the organisation.
On 28 March 1968, the British Welding Research Association merged with the UK Institute of Welding. The councils of both bodies agreed to a name which reinforced the fact that the new organisation was the outcome of an amalgamation: The Welding Institute was born. Twenty years later, it was felt that neither 'Institute' nor 'Welding' were appropriate descriptions of the activities, so in 1990 TWI became the business name of The Welding Institute.
The Welding Institute, as a name, has been retained by the professional division of TWI, responsible for professional membership, certification of personnel and learned society activities. TWI is the name used by the research and technology groups.
I believe that it is unique for a single body to be at the same time a large R&D and training organisation serving company members, and a professional engineering institution serving individuals.
In addition to the obvious financial benefits resulting from the sharing of resources - the library and information services, publications, events, administration etc - there is much synergy between Industrial Membership and Individual Membership. The latter offers a unique opportunity for staff of Industrial Member companies to gain an internationally recognised mark of attainment.
The Welding Institute is a Licensed Member of the Engineering Council (UK) offering several grades of personal membership, which can be linked to registration with the Engineering Council (UK) as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician.
The Welding Institute welcomes into professional membership individuals with general engineering backgrounds as well as those with specific welding and joining expertise, and particularly staff from Industrial Member companies. Full details on personal membership can be found at www.twi.co.uk/professional or by contacting the Professional Division at TWI e-mail: professional@twi.co.uk
Benefits of Professional Membership:
For individuals-
- Improved job performance and satisfaction
- Enhanced career development opportunities
- Potentially more earning power
- Structured professional development
For employers-
- More capable, motivated staff
- Improved business performance
- Better recruitment, retention and deployment of staff
Professional Members qualify for free membership of the Welding & Joining Society, giving access to:
- Professional Development advice
- Network of Branches and Technical Groups
- Dedicated website for Members: www.twi.co.uk/professional
- Journal Welding and Cutting with dedicated pages on the activities of the WJS
- Electronic newsletter
The Institute attaches considerable importance to the strong need to keep abreast of technological developments and their implications for welding engineering and allied technologies, supervision and management. Professional Members take responsibility for their own life-long learning, which will benefit both themselves and their employer, through the development of personal qualities and the broadening of knowledge and skills.
Fred Delany - Head of Industrial Member Services
Contacts:
Rosemary Setterfield rosemary.setterfield@twi.co.uk
Carol Wilson carol.wilson@twi.co.uk
Tom Howes tom.howes@twi.co.uk
