Institution news
The Institution’s President, Group Captain Mark Hunt, has praised water technology provider Xylem for investing in engineering excellence through the professional development of its staff.
Mark met employees at Xylem’s Quenington Gloucestershire facility recently during a Presidential visit to the Western Region and was impressed by the company’s dedication to the professional development of its workers through the Institution’s monitored professional development scheme (MPDS).
Xylem’s MPDS scheme enables aspiring engineers to receive solid training and experience, under the watchful eye of experienced managers and Institution qualified mentors.
The programme provides students with the hands-on experience and responsibilities required to become chartered engineers.
Xylem is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in a variety of settings. The company operates in over 150 countries. Its engineers combine broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems.
The Institution’s accreditation of the scheme has recognised Xylem’s commitment to growing strong engineering talent from within. The endorsement provides industry recognition and networking opportunities for candidates as well as lifelong support and development opportunities within the engineering sector.
Jim Mowbray, Managing Director, said: “We have an ambitious growth and development strategy and are acutely aware of the skills gap the engineering sector is facing. We are committed to investing in developing the next generation of engineering leaders for Xylem and are proud to have a differentiated recruiting platform to attract the best local talent.”
He added: “The team behind the initiative, which is built on experience gained in operating undergraduate placements, produced a detailed programme which enables young engineers to learn the fundamental principles of engineering first hand, within the company’s manufacturing, design and test departments.
"The MPDS is our latest training platform and links to our advanced apprenticeship scheme, which is also pending Institution approval. We have been running this scheme for eight years. The training initiatives are enthusiastically supported by employees across the business and we have received full support, guidance and advice from the Institution. We are incredibly proud of the Institution accreditation and what it means for our young engineers and for our business as a whole.”
Alan King, Institution Business Development Manager for the Thameswey, Western and South Wales region, said: “Xylem’s commitment to develop MPDS for its engineers has been top class. They have produced a programme of activity that is truly comprehensive, which will help its developing engineers become highly competent and professionally qualified assets to this growing organisation.”
As he spoke to people at the plant, Mark Hunt commented: “In the RAF, there is a motto: ‘learning makes the engineer’; and never a truer word has been said. With just that little bit of drive and determination, it’s incredible how far you can carry yourself.
“I am deeply impressed by the engineering qualities, passion and pride that these employees bring to the work they’re doing - demonstrating determination and commitment to put personal and professional development to the fore.”
Find out more about MPDS, company-based registration, and how the Institution can help support the development of engineers in your organisation by contacting the Business Development Manager (BDM) team.