SOE: “Incestuous” engineering to blame for skills shortages

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Tuesday, 08, Jul 2008 12:00

Engineering Chief wants more respect and money to boost flailing UK skills.

Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) President Ian Ling caused a stir during an address in London last week, by demanding greater support for engineers and criticising existing membership bodies for shying away from threats facing the industry.

Engineering institutions and businesses at the SOE Presidential Address on 3 July shifted uncomfortably as Ian Ling used the platform as a war cry to give workers better conditions, and pleaded that all in the industry do more to attract new generations of engineers, before it is too late.

Ling laid the blame for the public’s lack of appreciation of engineering, and the poor recruitment uptake on everyone in attendance, including himself. He said: “We are inward looking, almost incestuous and because of this we are, I suggest, failing our members. And, more importantly, in our role and public duty as engineering professionals.”

The Presidential Address came as Ian began his second term as President of SOE, a membership organisation for engineering professionals in the transport, plant and surveying sectors.

Engineering institutions, like SOE, promote their members’ competence and development through registration, networking events, publications and seminars. Ian Ling took his opportunity to rally the bodies and public, by outlining that engineers from numerous disciplines are involved with everything from flood protection to the distribution of food. He said: “This is work to be proud of, to celebrate and champion. It is work that people should want to do.”

Addressing the skills shortages Britain faces, Ian said that schoolchildren and adults alike are put off from careers in engineering through a total lack of awareness. He described the immense opportunities available within the profession, and pleaded for increased financial support for both salaries and innovations.

Editor’s notes:

SOE (Society of Operations Engineers)

SOE is a professional membership organisation that represents around 17,000 individuals and companies in the engineering industry. The SOE has three professional sectors – IRTE, IPlantE and BES (see below for more details).

The Society promotes safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable operations engineering to the benefit of the community at large, through the support of best practice and health and safety initiatives, a commitment to the professional development of its members and by influencing legislation and design.

SOE is a licensed member of ECUK and can register members at all three levels, CEng, IEng and EngTech.

The SOE is online at www.soe.org.uk

IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers)

IRTE, one of the most respected names in UK transport, was founded in 1944 and is recognised as an impartial voice of the industry. It encourages high standards of excellence with an emphasis on safety in operation, demonstrated by its research and education programme for members and industry. The IRTE is also a partner in the CV Show, alongside the RHA and SMMT.

IRTE members come from a wide variety of transport-related roles including apprentices and technicians in the light and heavy and bus and coach sectors, workshop managers, fleet engineers, transport managers and company directors.

IPlantE (Institution of Plant Engineers)

The IPlantE was founded in 1946 and is the Professional Sector for engineers, technicians and those with an interest in the specification, installation, operation and maintenance of industrial plant and services.

IPlantE members represent a huge range of engineering-related activities including static and rotating plant, industrial installation, mobile plant, power generation and distribution, utilities, system design, construction, production and maintenance and repair.

BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors)

BES was established in 1965 as a specialist technical organisation for engineer surveyors to keep up-to-date with relevant technical information. Engineer surveyors independently assess plant and machinery for legal compliance and technical risk. BES activities are also of interest to building services engineers, technical health and safety professionals and those involved in engineering facilities.