Electronics engineer : Training

In an industry driven by innovation and dominated by products with short life cycles you are expected to maintain your personal and professional competence by undertaking structured continuing professional development (CPD). The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  expects its members to be able to demonstrate commitment to professional development.

After graduation, you need to undertake a programme of initial professional development (IPD), with a mentor assigned to you to monitor your progress in the early stages of your engineering career. To gain chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) status, you should ideally seek out employers who have accredited professional development schemes.

Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional status. Companies usually offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. If your employer cannot provide broad training experience, check what arrangements they have in place. You may be able to choose a flexible development programme supported by your employer, or you may have to seek out the experiences that you need by yourself. After your initial training you should be able to take on direct responsibility.

To gain CEng or IEng status you will need to submit a written qualifying report on quality rapid product development (QRPD) and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. It is usually possible to achieve CEng or IEng status within three to six years of graduation.