Posted By Ciaran McAleenan
For those who might be thinking that a mature candidate route is an easy option and one that could downgrade the Institution consider the process in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) which has been referred to on many occasions. The full details are available on
http://www.ice.org.uk/rtfpdf/MCR_ICE_2004.doc I would point out a few relevant issues facing would be MCRs:
1. The Institution of Civil Engineers welcomes and encourages applications for Corporate and Non-Corporate membership from those who do not have the necessary academic qualifications.
2. The Mature Candidate Route (MCR) is designed to incorporate an Academic Assessment with the Professional Review.
3. You must be at least 35 years old to apply for MCR.
4. You must have had the minimum period of experience for the relevant grade of membership. For example, if you are applying for Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status you must have had not less than 15 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility.
2.1 The MCR consists of three stages:-
i. An initial assessment
ii. The written submission
iii. The MCR Interview
The initial assessment (Stage 1) includes;
· Submitting a CV – “…covers your whole career and gives details of projects worked on and positions held…”
· Production of a synopsis of your proposed Technical Report “…The synopsis must set out clearly how you intend to demonstrate your technical competence. You must identify the engineering principles involved…”
· An indication of support from your mentor “…You must obtain the support of a mentor to undertake this route…”
For Stage 2 you are required to prepare and complete:
· Your Technical Report “…must offer an ordered and critical exposition of some aspect or aspects of civil engineering practice in which you have played a major part…”
· A 2000-word Experience Report “…to demonstrate those parts of your experience that have made significant contributions to your personal development…”
· Record of Continuing Professional Development “…you will be required to show evidence of a minimum of 25 days total CPD over the last five years of your career. Your CPD should demonstrate an awareness of current safety legislation and best practice…”
Stage 3 includes
· an Academic Assessment - presentation of and fielding questions on the technical report (see below) – Note you must complete this successfully before proceeding to the professional review.
· a Professional Review, which “…to demonstrate that you have achieved a satisfactory level of professional competence that will allow your admission to the appropriate grade of membership…”
This is certainly no easy option and CEng IEng and Technician Engineers who go through this route can equally be proud of their achievements and stand side by side with their fellow professionals who followed the more traditional academic route.
One example of how onerous the route is is given in the assessment criteria for the technical report.
The Technical report is to be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Knowledge
1.1. Engineering principles.
1.2. Appropriate application of a scientific approach.
1.3. Design concepts.
1.4. Analytical methods and tools.
2. Understanding
2.1. A feel for concepts and number capacities.
2.2. Application of technical standards.
2.3. Use of relevant engineering standards.
2.4. Knowledge of the limits of the given process/es.
2.5. Appropriate design methods.
3. Abilities
3.1. Creativity and innovation.
3.2. Use of theoretical principles to solve problems.
3.3. Communication skills.
3.4. Use of I.T.
3.5. Solutions to non-routine problems.
4. Awareness
4.1 Quality Systems.
4.2 Working with others.
4.3 The use of money as a resource.
4.4 Hazard/risk management. Legal, statutory and contractual matters.
4.5 Social & ethical commitment