One of a series of frequently asked questions from North West ICE members on Professional Review.
I need to demonstrate the application of engineering principles, but I do not work in a design office, what can I do?
One of the key requirements in passing the Professional Review is the application of engineering principles in resolving problems. This should be straightforward for engineers in mainstream design offices. However, it can be more of a challenge for those working on site or in a more managerial role. The following suggestions may help:
- Arrange a short secondment with a consultant who can offer appropriate design office experience. If you feel this is what you need speak to your SCE or line manager and ask if it is possible. Sometimes an exchange with another trainee who needs site experience is a practical solution.
- Perhaps you are in a managerial role and this option is not practical. Lateral thinking is therefore required. Almost certainly in your supervisory role you will help others identify problems and evaluate options using engineering principles to do this. If so, you then simply need to demonstrate that you understand the processes involved and the underlying principles behind the processes.
- If you are working on site, you will inevitably identify problems that you discuss the resolution of with site colleagues or the design team. From time to time you will be involved in temporary works design that involves applying the same concepts as designers use in developing solutions on permanent structures. Thus site work invariably demands the application of engineering principles.
Return to professional review questions index