Engineers across the world make their all-out effort to migrate to the UK and work there as registered engineers. It is because the country provides endless growth opportunities. In addition to that, engineers get the real value of their competency. So, if you are one of such engineers with a keen desire to work in the UK, then you must have read or heard about UK-SPEC. if you want to know more about this, read this blog.
Aside from that, we will also tell you about the benefits of professional registration and the steps to achieve this. Now, let’s move ahead.
UK-SPEC:
UK-SPEC is an acronym for the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment. It gives an explanation of the requirements that a candidate must meet for registration.
These candidates will have registration as the following:
- Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
It also includes activity examples demonstrating the necessary competence and commitment. All the registration titles need a demonstration of five wide areas of competence and commitment:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Development, design and sorting out engineering problems
- Management, responsibility and leadership
- Professional commitment
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Five major UK-SPEC professional registration benefits:
The following are the benefits of being professional registered:
Better career prospects and employability:
Having professional registration will show your employers that you have the required skills, knowledge and competency. Besides that, it also shows that you are committed to maintaining all these things. All of them will help you meet the engineering and technological requirements of today.
Registration will also enhance the quality of your resume. In addition to that, it will give broader employment options, career progression and promotion.
More salary:
Being a professionally registered technician or engineer, you will be able to enjoy a higher salary throughout your working life. The reason for this is that employing registrants gives benefits to your employer. The biggest benefit here is increased customer confidence. It may help them get more contracts.
A symbol of professional attitude:
It shows your commitment to professional standards. In addition to that, it also shows your commitment to developing and enhancing your competency.
Registration is proof that you have a positive attitude and zeal to succeed in the engineering profession. Employers and clients always look for this attribute. It means that you will work with safety and contribute to sustainable development. Furthermore, it also shows that you are committed to adhering to codes of conduct.
Bringing higher self-esteem:
Professional registration comes with a great sense of attainment and credibility with workmates and students. Besides that, you will also have more respect from the wider industry and many people, which will boost self-esteem and confidence.
Expertise evidence:
Professional registration gives proof to employers, peers and the public of your expertise. It means you have spent years developing your skills, knowledge and understanding within your field. In short, it is proof of your UK-SPEC competencies and commitment.
UK-SPEC professional registration steps:
The following are the five steps leading to professional registration:
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Joining a professional engineering institution:
The first step is to join a professional engineering institution. This institution must be licensed to evaluate candidates for professional engineering registration. Alternatively, you can also join a Professional Affiliate of the Engineering Council.
Some of these organizations have an agreement to register their members by means of a licensed institution. Another benefit is that the institutions provide the support to help you in working towards registration.
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Let your institution know your plan:
You should tell your institution that you want to apply for professional registration with the Engineering Council. Their staff will see your qualifications, training and experience. In addition, they will also advise you which title is perfect for you. You will also come to know from them what extra preparation you need to make. It may happen that they can help you find a mentor.
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Record your professional development:
To earn and main professional registration with the Engineering Council, you must record your professional development. It is evidence of your qualifications, activities and experience. It will help you know when you are ready to apply for the title you chose.
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Evaluation:
The evaluation process for registration is called the professional review. It starts with a written application, varying depending on the needs of your institution. Your institution will help you know everything necessary.
Note: For IEng and CEng registration, there is also a professional review interview.
When your institution verifies that you fulfill the criteria, it will submit a registration form. The form will be submitted to the Engineering Council on your behalf.
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Certification:
After receiving your registration form, the Engineering Council will verify and process your application. After that, it will add you to the national register. It usually takes between 1 to 3 weeks. After that, you will get your registration pack, including a certificate showing your new title.
After this, you can start to use your post-nominal letters to enhance your professional status.
This time, you can also download the relevant registrant logo. You can use it on your email signature, business cards and stationery.
