One of the key principles of gaining a professional qualification is the demonstration of competence. The experience required to enable this to be demonstrated at the Professional Review is covered within the Initial Professional Development (IPD) phase of your career.
Transferable Skills & Initial Professional Development
Prior to sitting the Professional Review, there is a requirement that candidates will have completed their IPD either through
- a training agreement (through a formal CAT scheme)
- self directed study leading to a Career Appraisal.
The completion of the IPD phase is not formally required for TMICE EngTech candidates although it is an option that can be beneficial. The Development Objectives that need to be demonstrated at the IPD stage are defined within ICE 3005A.
The Development Objectives have been drafted so that they can apply across the ever-widening range of activities that comprise civil engineering. This could include design, implementation and operation in the fields of research, construction, transportation, energy, the environment, and many other specialist disciplines.
However, closer inspection of the Development Objectives detailed within ICE 3005A shows that many of the Objectives can be completed, at least in part at the initial A and K grade, in employment not connected with civil engineering or by self directed study away from the workplace. Consequently, if a candidate is not in employment within the civil engineering sector it may still be possible to look at the Development Objectives and identify those which may be completed from employment within another sector.
For working examples please review the Development Objective examples page
Other Non Work Related Transferable Skills
Similarly, private study, such as;
- structured reading,
- attending ICE lectures (with a follow up evaluation of the key learning elements)
can be used as supporting evidence of some of the Development Objectives. With such an approach the candidate would have a portfolio of evidence with regards to the initial Development Objectives. Since it does not matter where the Development Objectives have been demonstrated, it will be possible to simply extend this portfolio when the candidate returns to employment within the civil engineering sector. In this context the engineering specific Development Objectives can be the focus of activity when the opportunity arrives at a later date.
The engineering experience can also be used to provide the contextual element of the other Development Objectives, notably at the higher E and B level required.
For working examples please review the Development Objective examples page.
How to Record your Development Objective Achievements?
Individuals are advised to record their progress on a regular basis. This enables a reflection to be made as to the benefits of the development. Additionally extracts of relevant information to support the learning and experience are readily available when required.
It is suggested that regular development reports are drafted at least three times a year. These may be prepared on a template such that a regular snapshot of experience is recorded and a reflection is made as to the lessons learnt. An example template is provided although the trainee should consider developing their own.