EC(UK) begins review of professional qualifications framework

Citation

(2003), "EC(UK) begins review of professional qualifications framework", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 50 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2003.12850baf.006

EC(UK) begins review of professional qualifications framework

EC(UK) begins review of professional qualifications framework

Keywords: Professional qualifications, Standards

A working panel led by the Engineering Council (UK), has met to review and update the standards and criteria that govern professional qualifications in the engineering sector, otherwise currently known as standards and routes to registration (SARTOR).

Building on the core values of SARTOR, last revamped in 1997, the working panel is seeking to radically update the standards in response to the demands of the profession and of employers; facilitating both the diversity and the developments in the engineering and technology sector.

For instance, they intend to increase the emphasis on assessing competence based on the skills and knowledge of the graduate, lessening the focus on the entry level requirements for further and higher education programmes, as is currently the case. The panel will also address the compatibility of the qualifications in an international context.

Andrew Ramsay, Executive Director, EC(UK), said:

“Registration standards should provide readily understood criteria to enable employers to select and reward staff – and aspirational targets for engineers wishing to demonstrate their professional standing. Business and industry must be involved in their design and implementation. We intend to create a small family of documents that would be 'backwards compatible' with the current version of SARTOR but clearer in intent and interpretation.”

Initial progress of the working panel will be discussed, explored and debated at a milestone meeting of key figures from industry and academia on December 16. The intention is to publish the new specification later next year.

In parallel with the SARTOR review, ETB, a partnership to promote science, engineering and technology, is working closely with EC(UK) to evaluate the viability of introducing a new professional qualification. The aim of the proposed Chartered Technologist qualification is to reflect the emerging technologies and meet the needs of individuals who do not fall into the existing registrant categories.

A separate “Technologist” working group is now examining this proposal and has commissioned market research to identify the key issues to be addressed. The results will be incorporated into the new reviewed standards.

The Standards working panel includes Professor Kel Fidler, Vice-Chancellor, Northumbria University, Dr Trevor Evans, Chief Executive of Institute of Chemical Engineers, Professor Graham Davies, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Birmingham University (formerly of BT), Amar Bhogal, Deputy Director General of ICE, Barry Dobson, former Head of Engineering at West Hertfordshire College, along with Andrew Ramsay and Richard Shearman, EC(UK)'s Executive Director and Deputy Director, respectively.