Information about the Technician grade of membership, from the Institution of Civil Engineers North West.
Valued members of the engineering team
The acquisition of professional qualifications is an integral part of training and development in most organisations - and a means by which employers demonstrate the competence of their employees to their clients. Membership of ICE is only awarded to those who demonstrate that they are amongst the best in the world in terms of commitment and competence.
Technician Members of ICE can use the letters TMICE after their names and register with the Engineering Council as EngTech, i.e. A. Jones EngTech TMICE. They are highly valued, professionally qualified technicians, often in technical or supervisory positions and who have proven records of applying established technology to solve practical engineering problems. They routinely demonstrate creative aptitudes and skills within their fields of responsibility.
All professionally qualified engineers are expected to continue to develop their skills and fulfil their potential. Some Technician Members continue to pursue academic qualifications by part-time study with a view to obtaining full membership of ICE and Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
Routes to membership
For detailed information see
ICE3002A Routes to Technician Membership
There are three stages in the qualification process to become a Technician Member:
1. Educational Base
The educational benchmark for Technician membership and Engineering Council registration (EngTech TMICE) is a BTEC Certificate or Diploma in Construction Pathways or an approved Scottish/National Vocational Qualification at level 3. However, those without these qualifications may be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and understanding through the Technical Report Route.
Apprenticeships
ICE is developing an apprenticeship scheme for civil engineers with various employers across the North West Region
Embedded Technician Scheme
Students on part-time HNC courses may be able to complete their Initial Professional Development (IPD) at the same time as their academic studies. ICE is working with several colleges and universities in UK to deliver an integrated course which will lead to achievement of EngTech TMICE as well as HNC. The University of Bolton is currently the only education provider in North West Region offering an Embedded Scheme. For further details contact your Membership Development Officer
2. Initial Professional Development
Engineering Technicians also need to gain workplace experience – to see how the theory they have learned in the lecture theatre or laboratory is applied in the civil engineering industry.
This initial period, which is an essential requirement for achievement of EngTech TMICE, is the start of a career-long commitment to Continuing Professional Development, and is structured around specific Development Objectives described in ICE3005A Development Objectives.
3. Technician Professional Review
Attainment of EngTech TMICE is through the Technician Professional Review (TPR). Details of what is involved are in ICE3002A Routes to Technician Membership. TPRs are held in Manchester in Spring of each year, and at various other locations (including ICE Headquarters at One Great George Street, Westminster) in Spring and Autumn. Candidates should plan their preparation for Professional Review well in advance.
Technical Report Route
Those without the recognised educational base but who have gained a few years experience in the workplace may follow the Technical Report Route. Candidates are required to demonstrate the same knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering principles as someone who has obtained the benchmark academic qualification for Technician membership. For further information see MGN36 Technical Report Route 2007 (TRR)
TMICE EngTech and contact your Membership Development Officer.
Question
I recently completed my HNC. I was considering going for EngTech but I’ve been told it would be better to sign up for a BEng (Hons) course next Autumn and then go for IEng. Please could you advise?
An increasing number of clients are requiring their provider organisations (consultants, contractors) to demonstrate the technical competence of individual members of their staff. EngTech TMICE denotes a highly valued, professionally qualified technician, often in a supervisory position, who has a proven record of applying technology and engineering principles to solve a wide range of practical problems.
Achievement of EngTech TMICE does not prevent you from further study and progression to other grades of membership in the future if you wish, but for those who have had their fill of academic study, EngTech TMICE provides recognition of the professional competence they have already developed.
For more information see ICE3002A Routes to Technician Membership or contact your local Membership Development Officer.