Connect, no.108, September-October 2000, p.3
Continuing Professional Development update
TWI recently hosted a successful meeting of the Engineering Council Professional Development Forum, which was well attended with over 20 Nominated Body Institutions represented plus Engineering Council representatives. Tim Jessop welcomed the Members of the Forum and gave them a brief overview of TWI. After the meeting, members were given a guided tour of the laboratories. Members of the Forum were surprised and impressed at the breadth of activity of TWI and the scope of research and development.
The forum meeting concentrated on actions by institutions in promoting and supporting Initial Professional Development (IPD) for individual members. These actions are assisted by the changing attitude of employers and their interest in helping engineers to be professionally qualified. Recruitment and retention of good engineering staff is a prime driving force for employers. Renewed interest is being shown by large organisations in establishing organised IPD and CPD schemes.
A particular issue discussed by the Forum is the setting of clear and relevant competence-based objectives for IPD in the light of the SARTOR 3rd Edition competence framework. Institutions are currently working on this and further information will be available in due course.
