Developing competencies in engineering: the challenge for the 1990s

This paper is concerned with the development of engineers within manufacturing industry, with specific reference to the demand for skills in the fields of JIT, the theory of constraints and total quality management. The new jargon that abounds requires careful understanding and this is only gained through training. In many areas, training figures high on the agenda of any company seeking the accolade of `world class manufacturer´. However this training requires focus, consistency and flexibility if it is to be adopted throughout the company. Equally, it must set standards that can be seen throughout the industry as being the highest possible, and meeting the business needs of the organisation. The providers of training must recognise this and ensure that they are able to meet the challenge of the 1990s. Automation will not work without trained, motivated people, who can make systems work; training is about developing those people, and that is what this paper seeks to address