Materials engineer : Training

To gain professional status it is necessary to undergo a period of on-the-job training. There are two levels towards which you can work: incorporated engineer (IEng) or chartered engineer (CEng). Both provide recognition of expertise and higher earning potential.

For IEng status, you must have an accredited BEng degree or an approved HND (with an additional year of training and experience equivalent to the final year of a degree course). You are then required to go through a period of further professional training, pass a professional review (interview and work assessment) and become a member of an approved engineering institution. The route is similar for CEng status, but you must have an approved MEng (Masters in engineering) degree or a BEng plus approved further training. Gaining chartership also involves a professional review and membership of an engineering institution.

Graduates applying for IEng or CEng status are assessed against UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC)  criteria. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) . They take account of new developments, for example the introduction of foundation degrees, and offer a slightly more flexible approach to achieving professional status.

Materials engineers must be prepared to keep up with changing technologies and new ideas, so further study or training may be necessary. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)  offers an extensive range of distance learning certificates and other courses.

Management development programmes are also often highly relevant.