The committee is also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of standards, systems, processes and records in support of the assessors and applicants. Also to ensure a consistent standard of assessment and monitoring of schemes and content. The purpose being to ensure schemes are of adequate quality to meet the Engineering Council and IMechE expectations for an appropriate level of registration and membership.

Responsibilities

• To contribute to the assessment of organisation’s engineering apprenticeship schemes in a credible way against a UK benchmark standard: The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC) and the Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA)
• To work in pairs with other ISAC assessors to review the proposed Apprenticeship scheme in the round, with a view to determining the suitability of both the embedded learning of engineering principles, and the development of applied engineering and competence. For level 3 schemes, this is generally a desk-based activity.
• Encourage a free and frank discussion of scheme applications at committee, actively listening and posing questions to explore any areas of concern and develop a common approach to assessment of schemes.
• Assess the strengths, weaknesses and suitability of schemes, the ability of companies and organisations to support apprentices, make recommendations if improvements are needed to the scheme structure or content
• Provide constructive and respectful feedback to the company or organisation, solely designed to help them in continuous improvement of their scheme and apprentices.
• Raise awareness of the value of apprenticeships in the wider engineering community

Opportunities

• Learn from experience and identify best practice in the sector
• Broaden professional horizon
• Developing interpersonal and soft skills
• Review a broad spectrum of engineering practice that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to see
• Contributes towards your own CPD requirements

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Benefits

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a fundamental part of any career in engineering, ensuring 'professionally registered and active' engineers keep up to date by constantly learning and improving, developing skills and staying abreast of innovation. This will enhance your contribution to engineering and help you get the most out of your career.

Role Requirements

• You must be a member of the Institution, professionally registered at, or above the registration category for which scheme approval is sought
• Volunteers should have experience in assessment of educational and development programmes delivered through Apprenticeship schemes at Level 3 or Level 6.
• Ideally in an engineering management role
• Familiarised with the relevant Engineering Council policy, procedures and guidance documents, namely UK-SPEC, Registration Code of Practice (RCoP) and the Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA)
• Committee members are required to sign a Data Protection Agreement.

Commitment

• Attend a minimum of two committee meetings visits per year, along with associated preparation and follow-up work
• Committee meetings are held 3 times per year, with 2 conducted virtually and 1 face-to-face meeting pa at the Institution’s HQ
• Volunteers should expect to receive at minimum 4 cases per year to review, with a two-week turnaround time for each review.
• An expected term of 5 years’ service
• Complete training as deemed necessary
• Keep up to date with the latest Engineering Council and IMechE policies and procedures Committee members are required to sign a Data Protection Agreement.

Commitment to the Institution’s Values

• Upholding the Institution’s Values, Behaviours and Code of Conduct
• Acting with integrity
• Acting without vested interest and self-reporting any conflicts of interest or loyalty
• Supporting the Institution’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy
• Exercising independent judgement and challenging colleagues appropriately
• Opening-up volunteering opportunities to all eligible members
• Creating transparent and inclusive processes and procedures that treat staff and volunteers objectively and fairly
• Maintaining high levels of confidentiality where necessary and ensuring GDPR compliance is upheld

Initial Training

• Attend a formal training session conducted either virtually or at IMechE HQ.
• Observe a committee meeting with case discussion

The IMechE will cover all reasonable expenses incurred to attend a committee meeting in person.