SOE: Top engineering body salutes Metronet’s apprentice success

SOE logo for press releases2

Friday, 05, Sep 2008 12:00

Metronet has again proved its credentials after their apprenticeship programme was recognised by one of the engineering industry’s most respected organisations, SOE (Society of Operations Engineers) at an event in Westminster last week.

SOE welcomed over twenty new technicians from the tube maintenance company to their head office, and presented professional certificates of membership to congratulate them on successfully completing their four-year apprenticeship programme.

SOE President Ian Ling, and Membership Development Manager Will Reeves, were joined by Metronet’s Learning and Development Vice President, Karen McKenzie-Irvine, at the event to reward the young apprentices for their hard work and commitment to the rail industry. In addition to the reception and presentation by SOE, the new technicians also received their Engineering Technician (EngTech) professional registrations with Engineering Council UK (ECUK).

SOE is a professional membership organisation, representing engineers in the transport, plant and surveying industries. In addition, SOE is one of the industry’s keenest supporters of apprenticeship programmes, with agreements in place to help several large organisations make the most out of long-term, professional apprenticeship schemes.

SOE President Ian Ling said:

“Apprenticeship programmes are the single most important element in ensuring that the UK produces new generations of professional engineers. The schemes ensure experience is passed on and innovation and enthusiasm nurtured. SOE congratulate Metronet on producing a dedicated and capable group of technicians for an industry that demands highly-skilled engineers.”

Membership Development Manager Will Reeves said:

“With six decades of transport industry experience, we are devoted to acknowledging the work of engineering professionals and specialise in developing apprentices careers. Metronet’s facilities, training and workforce mirror these goals, which is very positive for London commuters and the wider rail industry.”

Ends.

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 (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), IPlantE (see below for more details) and BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors.)

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

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.