Electrical engineer : Training

Training varies according to the size of the employing organisation. Some companies offer an established training programme that includes on-the-job training and structured continuing professional development (CPD). Other, smaller employers may be unable to provide such a broad training experience themselves. It is worth checking what arrangements are in place when applying for jobs, particularly if you want to work towards chartered engineer (CEng) status.

Some organisations offer graduate entrants a rotation of posts in the first two to three years in order to support the acquisition of the necessary competencies and experience. Employers may also offer training in core business skills, such as project management, report writing or presentation skills.

As well as educational qualifications, all professional bodies have membership criteria including a combination of practical work experience and CPD. All professional bodies use UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) , a set of standards for professional engineers and engineering technicians set up in conjunction with the Engineering Council .

The Professional Development: How 2  website provides a unified framework for professional development for members of the:

• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)   
• Institute of Physics (IOP)   
• Royal Aeronautical Society