Abstract
The paper outlines training requirements for engineers in the process industries and discusses how they can be achieved. Attention is drawn to changes in the educational routes which are available now compared with 25 years ago.
Methods of recruitment direct from school or from the universities are compared, and the need to select candidates with both technical and managerial ability is emphasized. Opportunities exist for the trained engineer in the following three main spheres: (1) As a design and project engineer whose prime responsibility is to organize new capital projects and, by his skill, influence future plant efficiency and operating costs. (2) As a maintenance engineer who, whilst primarily concerned with the introduction of novel and improved maintenance techniques, is also able to make a contribution to the design of new plant by suggesting modifications to reduce maintenance. (3) As a machinery development engineer in industries where automatic machinery is extensively used for processing and packaging, and where frequently suitable equipment may not be available commercially.
The paper indicates the need for well-qualified people in each of these spheres and demonstrates that the scope and responsibility attached to the work are such as to provide adequate job satisfaction.
Emphasis is laid on the need for the engineer to work as part of a team with development and production personnel and also with other service departments such as accounts and management services.
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