The role of technical education,training and the engineering profession in the wealth-creating process

Abstract

Engineering is in competition with other professions in seeking to attract the best young people, making it necessary to market engineering proactively as an attractive career prospect. The education to be provided to prospective engineers should equip them to perform competently in areas other than the strict engineering sciences, but, equally, it is argued that there is a requirement for the adoption of a more rigorous approach to the teaching of mathematics. In training, attention is drawn to the added value to be gained by employers who introduce formal mentored courses for graduates, and emphasis is given on the need in education and training to recognize the different roles that professional engineers have to play. The role of the engineering Institutions is discussed, with particular emphasis on their work in the area of accreditation and continuing professional development. The public relations role of the Institutions is also examined.

Keywords

wealth creation education training quality assurance accreditation continuing professional development

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