Engineers are responsible for resolving some of the biggest challenges facing the world, both now and in the future. They must also stay attuned to the current needs of society as they develop and change from year to year. This can only happen if engineers continue to expand their knowledge and keep up to date with, create, and implement the latest developments in technology and ideas.

All IMechE members who are Engineering Council registrants make a commitment to maintain and enhance their competence in line with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). In practice, this means undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Engineering Council has produced a short but informative video outlining their CPD vision which you are encouraged to view and can be found below.

CPD has several purposes, which will vary in relation to your circumstances, needs, and the career stage you are at – up to, and including, retirement. It can also take a variety of forms. At its heart, it is informal learning through the challenges and opportunities of working life, including interaction with others such as colleagues, customers and suppliers, as well as professionals from other disciplines. This may be supplemented by structured activities such as courses, distance learning programmes, private study, etc. This list is not exhaustive, and each individual is best placed to determine their needs and how best to meet them.

There is no requirement to spend a minimum amount of time on CPD each year. Instead, the focus is on the evaluation and achievements of each activity as it relates to maintaining or enhancing competencies appropriate to the individual and their job role.