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It’s also an easy way to learn about how other employers run their Monitored Professional Development Schemes by sharing tips and best practice. And, with it being a virtual event, these benefits can be gained at your desk, over a lunch break!
A variety of different topics have been discussed and reviewed over the past months. In June, attendees learned all about the journey Intelligent Growth Solutions, IGS, have been on to gain mpds accreditation. Cameron Williamson, Senior Mechanical Engineer on site shared some great insights, including how he had benefitted from having a mentor in the past and wanted to ensure that the Developing Engineers at IGS are able to access similar support.
After the summer break, September’s topic was Graduate and Degree Apprenticeships and Dr. Andrew Cowell, Programme Leader at Glasgow Caledonian University provided a very useful overview on how these programmes work. He was joined by Mark Laird, IEng MIMechE who had previously completed a GA at the University. Mark spoke about the challenges of combining full time work and study – a lot of juggling was required, but it was all worthwhile.
In October, the topic was Career Learning Assessment, CLA. This is the pathway which allows applicants with significant technical work experience, without the exemplifying formal academic qualifications, to demonstrate that, through their experiential learning, they have managed to a acquire the equivalent academic knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, to an accredited qualification. There were lots of questions!
November’s topic was CPD and many attendees were pleasantly surprised to realise that many of their CPD goals could be achieved by using their IMechE membership to access excellent opportunities, at no additional cost.
In December, Alasdair McKinley Head of Profession for Mechanical Engineering at Jacobs and Carolyn Harvey, one of the Developing Engineers at the company shared some excellent ideas on how Jacobs has a thriving MPDS. It was obvious that a lot of work has been done to create a safe environment for DE’s to discuss any queries they have, which has improved engagement.
Sandra Mulligan, Senior Business Development Manager at IMechE runs the monthly mentor forum on MS teams. She said ‘I’m delighted to see that this initiative has proved to be very popular with members and look forward to continuing to provide this support in 2024’. If you’d like to be added to the circulation list, please email sandra.mulligan@imeche.org. The next session is scheduled for Jan 11 from 12.45 to 13.30.
For help with upgrading your membership or to book a 1:1 meeting to discuss a particular query, visit www.imeche.org/application-help