IMechE and Germany’s VDI sign co-operation agreement

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Germany’s VDI, the Association of German Engineers which is the largest engineering association in Western Europe, signed a partnership agreement at an event at the British Embassy in Berlin.

One of the aims of this agreement is to facilitate the promotion of scientific and technology exchange through the running of joint competitions and projects, particularly for young members in Germany and the UK.

IMechE and VDI are planning to work together to run the Speak Out For Engineering competition in Germany -- the competition encourages young engineers to develop their public speaking and presentation skills.

The agreement was signed by IMechE President Peter Flinn and VDI Managing Director Ralph Appel.

IMechE President Peter Flinn said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to work more closely with the VDI for the benefit of all our members. Encouraging young engineers to work together is important so they can develop new skills, build greater cross-cultural awareness and contribute to the global engineering profession.”

VDI Managing Director Ralph Appel said:

“The global challenges we are facing require international cooperation. Cooperating with IMechE gives VDI the opportunity to especially support our students and young professionals in their competence development as well as their intercultural and networking skills. That will help to better prepare them for the tasks ahead.”

The agreement was signed at an event at the British Embassy in Berlin to launch IMechE’s new policy report “The Future of International Collaborative Engineering – A Manifesto”