TRAINING
Improving design engineer skill sets
O
ne of the big skills issues that our industry has not yet started to address is the need for design and
applications engineers who have the full range of knowledge and experience to implement existing technologies to achieve maximum efficiency and understand the potential of new technologies available.
A lot of people seem to agree that there is a skills shortage in this area, and it is a concern. Of course there are many excellent engineers working in roles at this level such technical sales engineers, project engineers, technical support engineers, consulting engineers etc. But there are often gaps in their knowledge. For example, individuals may have come into the sector from other disciples, may hold a general engineering degree but are still learning specific RACHP knowledge or may have learned through experience but lack some of the theoretical knowledge needed. With an increasing emphasis in engineering
and construction sectors on Continued Professional Development (CPD) and proving competence the IOR is hosting a debate event to explore how these skills shortages could be addressed. The Institute of Refrigeration has worked with various employers and engineers over the years to develop a standard for skills, knowledge and behaviours required for this role. Most agree that it generally fits the bill (See table). So what needs to happen next? The IOR Education and Training group have agreed to have a debate with the wider industry on the best way to address the skills shortages in the design and applications engineer level. Questions that need to be explored include: Should there be an industry agreed minimum level of knowledge or qualification for people working in this type of role?
How could the design engineer standard developed in the table below be used – a
self assessment check list, employers development plan, qualification specification?
Is there enough demand for industry to develop a training programme – if so would that be delivered, assessed and funded?
If a more modular approach was preferred, where individuals could pick and choose how to improve their knowledge in different areas how would this be organised and who should do it?
What would be the best learning route for each area of skill eg on line learning, short courses or short work placements in different businesses?
The IOR would like you to take part in the discussion on the future of the design engineer role. Please contact the Institute at
ior@ior.org.uk or register for the debate event at
ior.org.uk/events/skillset-design-engineers
28 August 2020
www.acr-news.com
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