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  • The Daphne Jackson Trust - Career Break

    The Daphne Jackson Trust is a returners scheme helping those with a background in science, engineering and technology to return after a career break. The Daphne Jackson Trust is an independent charity which offers flexible, part-time, paid fellowships to scientists, engineers and technologists who have taken a career break of two or more years for family, caring or health reasons. Its work has been highly praised by Government and it is acknowledged as running the foremost returners scheme in the country. Fellowships are normally two years in length and based at universities and industrial laboratories throughout the UK. Fellows undertake a challenging research project and a retraining programme. The Trust has a 96% success rate in returning Fellows to science, engineering or technology careers…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • 2013 Safety Conference Videos

    The 8th International Conference on System Safety, incorporating the Cyber Security Conference , was held from 15 - 17 October 2013 in Cardiff, UK. If you didn't manage to make it to the conference, you can still see many of the presentations via IET.tv . Read on to see the list of video presentations available. Session Speaker Title Keynote 1 Les Hatton Some reflections on software systems: where does safety stop and security start? Keynote 2 Ian Bryant Who Wants Stovepipes? Keynote 3 Tony Cant System Safety; Where Next? Keynote 4 Rich Jones Enhancing Safety Performance in the Civil Aviation Sector 1.a.1 Hugh Boyes Cyber security of intelligent buildings: A review 1.a.2 Richard Piggin Process safety and cyber security convergence: lessons identified, but not learnt? 2.a.1 Hassan El-Sayed Assessment…

    James Inge
  • In-Company Training

    This week, I met up with our Professional Skills Trainer, Louise Tythe , to find out about the benefits of in-company training. I asked Louise for her top tips for both companies organising in-house training and staff attending the courses so I could share them with you here. The benefits of in-company training If you have several staff wanting to do the same training course, then running it at your company premises is often a more cost effective option. It can save time away from the workplace and cut travel costs. The really great thing about in-house training is that the course can be designed to meet the specific needs of the delegates and the company. “Take time to explain your training needs in detail to the trainer. Request a course outline from the trainer and work with them until you…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Inspiring the Future - Highlighting Engineering to School Children

    Hello, I came across this initiative that aims to highlight specific careers to school children and I wanted to share it with everybody. It was actually brought to my attendtion by one of the male members of this group - Thank you Stephen! If any of you are interested in giving an hours talk to a school, once per year, on what it is to work in engineering / technology, this would be a very good place to start. Inspiring the Future Kind regards, Jo

  • Congratulations to the 2013 Diamond Jubilee Scholars!

    The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) can today reveal that £2 million is being invested in the UK’s up and coming engineering talent. The Diamond Jubilee Scholarships have been awarded to 540 of the UK’s top students from 382 schools who are starting an engineering degree at 27 UK based universities this autumn. The students are the first cohort to win these prestigious scholarships and had to meet the criteria of achieving 3 ‘A’s at A Level, 3 'A' grade Advanced Highers, 5 'A' grade Highers or an International Baccalaureate Diploma at 36 points or above and join an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course in Autumn 2013. Each student will be receiving an IET scholarship of £1000 per year, up to a maximum of £3000 for Bachelors students and £4000 for MEng students…

  • Surrey's New Season Begins On A High Note ......

    On 18 September the University of Surrey played host to the first IET Surrey Network's event for the 2013-14 season. Close on a hundred people packed the Lakeside Restaurant in the Business School of Management for a lecture on the structural design of the Shard in London. The event, introduced by Surrey Chair Amy Longo, featured a presentation by Dr Richard Mawer from Shard designers WSP. Richard, a consultant structural engineer, played a major role in the structural engineering process for the 306 metre high building which is now an unmistakable part of the London skyline. His presentation featured the engineering challenges that had to be solved to carry out this mega-cost project. It certainly captivated the imagination of the audience who provided Richard with a barage of questions in…

    Mike Prewett
  • IET Solent Network Young Professionals

    The Young Professionals team is primarily concerned with items which are most relevant to young people, from their student days into their early careers. The main Solent Network committee ensure that the resources are in place to support a programme specifically designed for this younger audience. The Young Professionals team also work closely with the 'IET on Campus' groups now established in the three universities in Portsmouth and Southampton.     Young Professionals Team Dean O'Brien Craig Moor   YP Team Leader Team Member       Events Programme Events are arranged in Southampton Solent University, the University of Southampton and the University of Portsmouth. These are tailored to the needs of the 'IET on Campus' group in each university and are advertised within the universities, primarily…

    Joe Dunn
  • The Benefits of a Management Qualification

    Many engineers or technicians will find that career progression brings with it a level of management responsibility. Developing the knowledge and skills to succeed in such a role is an important part of continuing professional development. A management qualification gives the practical skills and knowledge to undertake or develop into a management role which allows engineers to not only consolidate previous experience but also maintain competence. A recognised qualification can help to maintain employability in a competitive market as it provides evidence of this knowledge for promotion or transition into a new role. It can also boost your confidence in management relationships and give greater self-awareness as you carry out this type of role. IET/CMI Management Courses The IET has joined…

  • Urban System Collaborative Meeting

    This Tuesday I was swept along by the cool Autumnal wind to Imperial College London where around fifty people tackled hot topics around the Adaptive City, the Personalised City, the Supportive City, and Perceptions of Quality of Life. Discussion spanned changing city governance models, steps towards heightened social empowerment, and passive / active interaction with the city – to name just a few! The overall buzz and engagement levels of the Urban System Collaborative Meeting has set the bar high – what BE topics are you engaging with? Would you like to help champion a Sector Hot Topic? Do you have something to share as a Sector Insight or Case Study? Have you read something scintillating and want to share it with your peers? You can contact me at zsquires@theiet.org and via LinkedIn uk.linkedin…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • It’s a noisy world

    Sound is a funny thing. Take for example, the sound of crashing waves on a sea shore. Many of us think of this sound with affection. Memories of summer holidays, childhood, etc. When we hear the sea we are usually uplifted and it can generally be associated with happy thoughts. Perhaps not the same if you live on the coast though and are trying to get to sleep on a stormy night. Then there is the sound of seagulls. I’m sure that will divide opinion! Generally though we think of natural sounds as pleasant, calming, exciting even. I don’t recall hearing anyone refer to a natural sound as noise. …other than the seagulls! That’s not always the case in the built environment though. I have to say I find the sounds of a city, first thing in the morning quite pleasant, but by mid-day, traffic noise…

    Julie
  • Tourists, the Tube and new training shoes

    As I travel to London regularly, I inevitably spend time on the Underground. Perhaps not enough time though to have become one of those people who sees it a necessary but rather unpleasant part of their daily commute. It’s certainly as diverse a mix of people as you could ever find and all integrating in one way or another with the built environment. I’m sure the same can be said of any subterranean transit system around the world. Two things generally go through my mind when using the Underground. Firstly why can’t we harness all that wasted energy that makes us feel even more uncomfortable down there? Secondly, why do tourists wear new training shoes? Granted the two questions are pretty diverse and you’re probably wondering what goes through my mind. That’s a fair point, but in some ways…

    Julie
  • Built or Natural – Is it the same thing?

    It’s easy to take the built environment for granted. Our houses, offices, road network, public transport, retail outlets and leisure facilities are accepted by many as the landscape in which they live. As Chair of the Built Environment sector, my first blog really ought to focus on these things. So I’m going to talk about the Lake District. I love the Lake District. It has wonderful scenery and a calming influence on me whenever I go there. I should go there more often. Okay, maybe the weather could sometimes be better but as a Yorkshireman, I should be used to rain. We think of the Lake District and any other national park as a natural environment, the antithesis of the concrete and steel which supports most of our daily lives and yet its ‘natural’ description depends really on how you define…

    Julie
  • Reuben Medding awarded Sir Lionel Hooke Award for 2013

    With IET President Andy Hopper briefly in Melbourne to deliver A Perspective On Innovation , it was the perfect opportunity for him to present the 2013 Sir Lionel Hooke Award to this year's winner, Reuben Medding. The Sir Lionel Hooke Award is presented in honour of one of Australia’s great electronics and telecommunications engineers, and is one of the highest honours that the IET in Australia bestows. The award considers eminence and distinction in the fields of electrical, electronic, communication, computer systems engineering, or in related fields that may develop in the future. It also takes into account services to the community, and assistance to educational and public institutions. Reuben Medding was nominated for the Sir Lionel Hooke Award by his peers for his outstanding contribution…

    Rowan P
  • IET President delivers his Perspective On Innovation

    IET President Andy Hopper visited the IET Victoria Local Network on the 12th September 2013 to deliver a presentation on innovation as part of the EEEVic lecture series. This lecture series has been in existence for over 30 years and sees the Victorian sections of IEEE, Engineers Australia ITEE College and IET collaborate to jointly host lectures every month. Andy presented "A Perspective on Innovation" (presentation available here) . In his presentation, Professor Andy Hopper gave the audience an assessment of the global context of innovation as an important topic being discussed by companies and governments in their quest for economic growth. He followed with examples of innovating companies based on his personal experience from both his academic and industrial careers. His presentation was…

    Rowan P
  • YPS Leadership Program Launch

    As an opportunity to provide engineering students from universities across Victoria with project management and teamwork/leadership experience while being involved with the IET, the Young Professionals Section (YPS) Leadership Program kicked off on Saturday 31 August at the State Library in Melbourne. Interest was overwhelming for the program, but only the top sixteen applicants made it through in the end. Over the next six to eight months, participants will be paired with a mentor from the YPS committee and develop their soft skills, whilst helping organise and run events for the YPS in Victoria. They will learn the skills necessary to successfully manage projects and how to apply them in their studies and future careers. There is also an Event Proposal competition with a $500 prize on offer…

    Rowan P
  • Congratulations To Our 2013 Scholarship Winners:

    The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) can today reveal that £2 million is being invested in the UK’s up and coming engineering talent. The Diamond Jubilee Scholarships have bee n awarded to 540 of the UK’s top students from 382 schools who are starting an engineering degree at 27 UK based universities this autumn. Out of the 540 Award winners, a whopping 19% were women! Congratulations to one and all. Read more...

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Britain’s Got Talented Female Engineers

    To help encourage more women into engineering, Atkins led a unique survey in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, Rolls-Royce and BP to ask 300 professional female UK engineers what ins pired them to choose a career in engineering and how they feel about their choice.The result is the ‘Britain’s got talented female engineers’ report which provides fascinating insights, statistics and views which we hope will prove to be a hugely popular tool in inspiring a new generation of female engineers. Download the report

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • 10 Fully Funded Scholarships Available For An Engineering Doctorate In Advanced Manufacturing

    Hello, We have yest another great opportunity to share with you! The University of Strathclyde is currently looking for graduates to commence in October 2013 and January 2014, who have achieved or are expecting to achieve; a first or second class Honours degree in Engineering, Science or Technology, or a Masters in Engineering. This innovative Engineering Doctorate programme provides a combination of research and industrial training. It is an opportunity for aspiring graduates to undertake world leading research within international global companies to develop research interests in the latest technologies for the UK's aerospace, energy, marine and automobile industries including aircarft components, cars, ships, medical devices and power generation equipment. The outputs from these projects…

  • New Opportunity - Shadowing Scheme

    Hello, We have received another great opportunity that we would like to highlight to you. Please find attached and below details of the WISRNet shadowing scheme, which may be of interest to you or your students. We should be most grateful if you could also circulate this amongst your research networks. Historians Shadowing Scientists Scheme Are you a UK-based early career or doctoral student in the history of science, technology and medicine with an interest in the role of gender in science? Would you be interested in participating in an opportunity to shadow a working woman scientist to gain a better understanding of what scientists do and the challenges women scientists face today? WISRNet, an AHRC sponsored research network, is investigating how improved knowledge of the historical role…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Get Started with Professional Registration

    Many engineers and technicians aspire to achieve professional registration but without the proper planning it can remain an abstract goal. Make a commitment to work toward professional registration by letting the IET know your intention to apply for professional registration and we can help you plan your development and keep you on track. See How to Register Your Intent in Career Manager. Consider your progress so far UK-SPEC is the standard that you need to demonstrate for professional registration, but it takes time to develop the required competence. A structured approach will assist you to build the required knowledge, skills and experience for professional registration in an efficient way. You may already have some knowledge and skills that will set you on the path to professional registration…

  • How To Submit An Intent To Register In Career Manager

    1. All IET members have access to Career Manager, our online professional development planning and recording tool. Simply visit our website www.theiet.org/career-manager and log-in to enable the Access IET Career Manager button. 2. Select the IPD menu from the Quick Launch Tool on the homepage. Select Submit my Intent to Register to go to the menu. 3. To register your intent you must first select the registration category that you want to work toward. You will be able to select either CEng, IEng, EngTech or ICTTech from the menu options. 4. You will be taken to the Intent to Register Checklist once you have selected a registration category. You will need to complete all mandatory fields in order to submit the form to us. Please provide as much detail as possible so we can provide the best guidance…

  • Calendargrads

    calendar grads has been created with the sole intention of encouraging more young female graduates to pursue a career within the SET industry, opening e yes to possible careers and therefore working towards a more balanced, talented and enthusiastic workforce. Some of our IET women members have volunteered to be a part of the keynote speaker panel, in order to suppoort this fantastic campaign, speaking at several universities. The focal point of the calendar grads campaign will be our unique and exciting graduate calendar. There is a significant shortage of role models in both academia and industry. This calendar has been sponsored by some of the top firms within the industry, including Rolls Royce plc. Atkins Defence, DBD ltd and nucleargraduates. Each month will focus on female role-models…

  • Introducing The CPD Logo

    With the launch of our new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) monitoring scheme, we are working hard to raise awareness of the many different types of activities that can count towards your CPD. Through the IET, you have access to a comprehensive range of high quality knowledge resources, which can provide an excellent source of CPD. To highlight this, we have designed a CPD logo which will start to feature across many IET products and services that can help contribute towards your on-going professional development. 1. The CPD logo will feature on knowledge resources, such as the E&T technical articles and E&T white papers. There is no set amount of CPD you may obtain from accessing these types of knowledge products; it will depend on how much you need to learn. For example, if you simply…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Communities Volunteer Conference (CVC), Toronto, August 2013 - Photo Gallery

    Created with flickr slideshow . Open this blog post to view a slideshow of photos from the CVC in Toronto.  There are some brilliant photos from the events, thank you so much to Sue and Edwin for making it possible to share images from the weekend.

    Fiona Dew