What is EngTech?
The EngTech title is awarded by engineering bodies that have been approved by the Engineering Council. It’s a professional title after an engineering technician’s name that matches UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). This means that EngTech is an independently evaluated, internationally recognised mark of an engineering technician’s experience, skills and competence, as well as their commitment to their profession that helps them stand-out from their peers.
The benefits of EngTech for individuals
EngTech is an independently measured assessment and mark of an engineering technician’s qualification, skills, competence, commitment and professionalism. This means that carrying the EngTech title enhances an individual’s status with colleagues and either current or future employers. EngTech status works hand-in-hand with membership of the IRSE, giving individuals access to learning, networking and career development resources. It can also provide a step on the route to qualifications such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The benefits of EngTech for business
Ensuring that all suitable engineers and technicians are EngTech registered – and publicising this fact – is proof of a company’s commitment to matching industry standards, as well as maintaining their employee’s knowledge and development. This helps company’s to recruit and develop the best talent, while a more knowledgeable, motivated and loyal workforce – one that matches the rigorous industry standards for quality and safety – is a great selling point when bidding for new business.
EngTech requirements
The Engineering Council have produced a number of competence criteria which all registered Engineering Technicians must meet. EngTech registration is open to anyone who can demonstrate the required professional competences to UK-SPEC standards. Typically, EngTech-eligible technicians will have completed engineering apprenticeships and have recent qualifications and on-the-job training. If you have been working within the industry for many years you can also demonstrate your knowledge and skills through the work that you’ve done.
Route to EngTech for holders of certain licences
The IRSE is encouraging licence holders to look at progressing in their professional career in engineering by registering as an Engineering Technician through the Engineering Council. Membership of a Professional Engineering Institution is mandated by the Engineering Council for those seeking registration at EngTech, IEng or CEng levels. IRSE members’ benefits include the IRSE News magazine, entry to technical meetings and seminars, discount on IRSE publications, and access to MyCareerPath, an electronic competence and CPD recording system.
The competence criteria for EngTech have now been incorporated into most of the level 3 licences, which are listed in the table below, and for these licences this is indicated in the scope statement on the front page of the licence. Please refer to the current version of the licence which can be downloaded from the website. Other higher level licences also cover most or all of the competences and, as they are reviewed, will have EngTech competences fully incorporated. Where this has not yet been done, there are a few extra competences that need to be demonstrated. If you hold a higher level licence, please contact registration@irse.org for the latest guidance on what is required.
On gaining one of the licences listed in the table, you have demonstrated that you have met the competence criteria for EngTech. This also applies to surveillance or renewal, with the exception of 1.4.230 surveillance for Network Rail staff utilising the agreed alternative assessment process, who will need the assessments individually reviewed by the IRSE.