Ingenieur Vol 73 ingenieur Jan-March 2018 | Page 72

GQ8. CPD seems to be focused on two aspects of professional development: technical competence and personal quality. While the requirement of technical competence is quite clear, how does the emphasis on personal quality come into the picture? GA8. Examples of technical competence development include knowledge and skills in managing projects; managing engineering services firms; promoting engineering knowledge within and outside the company. Personal qualities such as integrity will ensure sustainability of projects, providing leadership and fighting corruption. GQ9. There is need for more publicity on CPD so that training can be part of employers’ work philosophy. GA9. BEM shall continue to publicise and to bring awareness to the engineering community and the public at large through its publications, awareness campaigns and roadshows. Registered Persons (PE/PEPC/IOW) and employers need to think about career development and succession plans in order to ensure sustainability of business and operations. GQ10. There are very limited opportunities for Registered Persons (PE/PEPC/IOW) working as maintenance personnel to attend training courses. Is there any suggestion on how to improve this situation? GA10. The onus is on the Registered Persons (PE/PEPC/IOW) to persuade their employers to provide training and education opportunities. Registered Persons could organise in-house technical talks and engineering knowledge related activities on maintenance and operational efficiency. GQ11. Generally the comment from the floor is that they support CPD, however, they just wonder if BEM can arrange for free courses to be run. GA11. BEM from time to time would be organising suitable courses at a reduced charge. GA12. Will BEM be able to encourage employers to provide opportunities for CPD? GA12. Yes, BEM is hoping that by bringing more awareness to the employers as well as the Registered Persons (PE/PEPC/IOW), there would be a better understanding of the benefits of CPD and more commitment to CPD. GQ13. If Professional Training Providers are allowed to charge high fees, will it not be disadvantageous for the Registered Persons (PE/PEPC/IOW) to comply with BEM CPD requirements? Can BEM control the maximum fees chargeable? GA13. No. That would be a disadvantage. Market forces will be able to regulate the ‘supply and demand’ of training offerings. Professional societies such as IEM, ACEM, MySet, COWAM and institutions of higher learning do organise CPD courses and seminars at reasonable fees. Registered Persons could avoid expensive training courses and choose value for money and reasonably priced training programmes. BEM might be able to influence the training fees charged if the training providers apply for their programmes to be approved for CPD Hours. 70 VOL 73 JANUARY-MARCH 2018