Rethinking the role of education in the life of the professional engineer

With all of the Engineering Institutions having established training requirements for graduate and chartered engineers, many in the engineering profession feel that the debate regarding ongoing professional training is over. It appears that if an engineer accumulates a certain number of points or training hours per year, then he or she is considered to be up to date, competent, ready and able to work as an engineer. But is this really the best approach for the engineer, the Engineering Institutions, employers and society? This paper provides an alternative perspective on engineering education and training, arguing that the current model of engineering education and training are not adequate to produce and maintain good, professional engineers. The authors´ view is that a broader approach to training and education would result in better engineers being produced and would improve both their lives and their professional careers.