Engineering essentials

Preparing engineering specifications

This course emphasises the need for a clear definition of specification requirements combined with the ability to communicate them effectively to third parties.

2 days

Next available:

Members: £1,095 + VAT
Non-members: £1,350 + VAT

Course Location & Date
Preparing engineering specifications
Members:
£1,095.00 Plus vat
Non Members:
£1,350.00 Plus vat

Summary

This course emphasises the need for a clear definition of specification requirements combined with the ability to communicate them effectively to third parties.

In today’s business climate of fragmented supply chains and bigger projects delivered by consortia, a detailed and high quality specification is the key to project success. However, writing a specification draws on many diverse topics – project management, engineering practice, law, grammar, word usage and even philosophy – all of which are touched on in this practical 2-day course.

This course starts with the role of the specification in the project, its legal status and the needs of the various stakeholders. Using a range of practical tools and techniques, we will cover a systematic approach to structuring and writing the specification that builds in quality, detail, methods of verification and clear communication.

Session plan

Session 1: Best practice & process

Session 2: Structure & templates

Session 3: Correct language & format

Session 4: Pulling it all together

Coaching sessions

You can choose to purchase a package of two 60-minute coaching sessions with this course, at a discounted price if purchased together, to help you embed the skills from the course in to your own documents. This will allow you to impress your Manager, increase your sphere of influence and enhance your career.

The coaching sessions will be scheduled as necessary over the following month to provide you with a unique opportunity to discuss any issues you are facing with an experienced coach.

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Verified by an engineer, Carl Baxendell, AMIMechE
"I think it’s fair to say that the learning transcends into many areas. The concepts of clear sentences and unambiguous terminology have been incredibly useful in many areas of my work."
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Who should attend?

This programme is suitable for engineers at all levels.

How will I benefit?

After the course you will be able to:

• Explain the role and purpose of specifications and the different types.
• Identify the role of specifications in managing projects.
• Define and prioritise the detailed requirements.
• Structure a specification to clearly get the point across.
• Write clear, unambiguous English.
• Understand the procurement cycle.
• Prepare, edit and approve specifications more quickly.
• Identify commercial and contractual issues and take steps to avoid them.
• Know how specifications should be issued, modified and controlled.
• Reflect on personal examples and experiences.
Contributes 14 CPD hours

The course was relevant to my needs, well structured and perfectly paced. I am confident my specifications will show a marked improvement moving forward.

Paul McLaughlan Anglian Water Services Ltd

Key topics

• Identify objectives and stakeholders.
• Identify standards and contracts.
• Structure specification.
• Collect and prioritise requirements.
• Write specification detail.
• Applying BS 7373.
• Edit, issue and control.

Mapped against UK- SPEC competencies: B, D and E

  1. Design and development of processes, systems, services and products - For Chartered Engineers: ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of mechanical engineering problems’ For Incorporated Engineers ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop, manufacture, construct commission, operate, maintain, decommission and re-cycle mechanical engineering processes, systems, services and products’
  2. Communication and inter-personal skills - For Incorporated and Chartered Engineers: 'Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills’
  3. Professional commitment - For Incorporated and Chartered Engineers: ‘Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment’

Meet our trainers

These trainers regularly teach Preparing engineering specifications.

  • Jean Billingsley

    Jean Billingsley

    Jean has 25 years’ experience in engineering and project management, holding senior management positions at Rolls-Royce and Alstom, most recently as Programme Manager.

In-house and bespoke training

Tell us your team's CPD needs and we'll come to you with a specialised training programme, customised for your engineering sector.
Contact our advisors if you need help finding the most appropriate training for your team.

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At a glance

  • Duration:
    2 days
  • Location:
    Coventry, London, Virtual classroom
  • CPD Hours:
    14
  • UK-Spec:
    B, D, E

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Available dates for Preparing engineering specifications

2 day course

Coventry
10-11 Dec 2024
London
25-26 Mar 2025 10% discount available until 25 January
Virtual classroom
13-14 May 2025 10% discount available until 13 March
Coventry
9-10 Sep 2025 10% discount available until 9 July
London
11-12 Nov 2025 10% discount available until 11 September

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