Following on from the UK Engineering Report 2016 (and the discussion of same in this forum) and the adequacy or not of current efforts to educate and train, and to encourage the registration of our future engineers, I am intrigued about a “new model in technology and engineering” (NMiTE http://www.nmite.org.uk ). It is a new University that is to focus on the teaching of engineering. In a recent press release, it says: “At NMiTE we believe that engineering education can be different. We’re here to unlock the creativity and drive of Britain’s next generation – the Passioneers – the designers and builders, problem solvers and innovators who will shape our future. We’re establishing a new model of high-value engineering education: Creating a beacon institution to help address the engineering skills shortage that threatens to hobble the UK’s ability to compete globally. With a new approach to learning – based on real-world problem solving and the blending of high quality engineering, design, liberal arts and humanities with communication and employability skills targeted at the growth sectors of the future. Located on a new and different type of campus – designed for inspiration, collaboration and a deep connection to the global community. And reinforced by an innovation ecosystem of global corporations & SME entrepreneurs, coupled with global universities, not just to invest, but to contribute knowledge and expertise – with New Model students at its centre. We’re shaping an institution to create and deliver 21st century engineers – catalysts for innovation and change – a new model generation of emotionally intelligent entrepreneurs, innovators, employees and leaders for the future." Two things strike me as very different about this proposition: Its motto is “no lectures, no exams, no text books” (!). It plans to be very practically-based, largely conducted within real industry. Apparently, it will also have no departments, no faculties, no tenure, no Council. Instead, it’ll have “ teaching teams designed around the delivery of our unique engineering and Human Interaction curriculum ” (developed by an impressive, international, and overwhelmingly academic array of advisors and partners). It’s located in the city of Hereford (admittedly partly a personal one as a resident of Herefordshire for over 30 years). It is a city by virtue of its cathedral but it is one of the smaller cities in the UK with a population of just over 50k, and is in England's first or second most rural county (depending on how you rank it). Hereford’s engineering heritage is largely unremarkable as it is known more for its agricultural and food output (beef, potatoes, strawberries, apples, cider(!), beer, etc.) and of being home to the UK's elite special forces regiments. It has engineering history in munitions production from during WWII and it's current engineering association is with food production, double-glazing, Morgan chassis and JCB cab manufacture, insulation material forming, and that’s largely it. So, not the most obvious choice to base a new Advanced Engineering University then! The NMiTE project has been described (The Times 6 th Sep 2016) as “ at worst an intriguing experiment and at best an innovative template that traditional universities might learn from”. What do you think? As an aside, I have seen nothing of NMiTE in these forums or indeed on the IET website – yet, apparently (and quite rightly) the IET has been an advisor/contributor/supporter. As a footnote, I would very much like to reach out and connect with any IET members/fellows that are/have been involved in NMiTE with a view of my getting involved too.

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A new model of high-value engineering education

Following on from the UK Engineering Report 2016 (and the discussion of same in this forum) and the adequacy or not of current efforts to educate and train, and to encourage the registration of our future engineers, I am intrigued about a “new model in technology and engineering” (NMiTE http://www.nmite.org.uk). It is a new University that is to focus on the teaching of engineering.

In a recent press release, it says:

“At NMiTE we believe that engineering education can be different.
We’re here to unlock the creativity and drive of Britain’s next generation – the Passioneers – the designers and builders, problem solvers and innovators who will shape our future.

We’re establishing a new model of high-value engineering education:

Creating a beacon institution to help address the engineering skills shortage that threatens to hobble the UK’s ability to compete globally.

With a new approach to learning – based on real-world problem solving and the blending of high quality engineering, design, liberal arts and humanities with communication and employability skills targeted at the growth sectors of the future.

Located on a new and different type of campus – designed for inspiration, collaboration and a deep connection to the global community.

And reinforced by an innovation ecosystem of global corporations & SME entrepreneurs, coupled with global universities, not just to invest, but to contribute knowledge and expertise – with New Model students at its centre.

We’re shaping an institution to create and deliver 21st century engineers – catalysts for innovation and change – a new model generation of emotionally intelligent entrepreneurs, innovators, employees and leaders for the future."

Two things strike me as very different about this proposition:

Its motto is “no lectures, no exams, no text books” (!). It plans to be very practically-based, largely conducted within real industry.

Apparently, it will also have no departments, no faculties, no tenure, no Council. Instead, it’ll have “teaching teams designed around the delivery of our unique engineering and Human Interaction curriculum” (developed by an impressive, international, and overwhelmingly academic array of advisors and partners).

It’s located in the city of Hereford (admittedly partly a personal one as a resident of Herefordshire for over 30 years).

It is a city by virtue of its cathedral but it is one of the smaller cities in the UK with a population of just over 50k, and is in England's first or second most rural county (depending on how you rank it). Hereford’s engineering heritage is largely unremarkable as it is known more for its agricultural and food output (beef, potatoes, strawberries, apples, cider(!), beer, etc.) and of being home to the UK's elite special forces regiments. It has engineering history in munitions production from during WWII and it's current engineering association is with food production, double-glazing, Morgan chassis and JCB cab manufacture, insulation material forming, and that’s largely it. So, not the most obvious choice to base a new Advanced Engineering University then!

The NMiTE project has been described (The Times 6^th Sep 2016) as “at worst an intriguing experiment and at best an innovative template that traditional universities might learn from”.

What do you think?

As an aside, I have seen nothing of NMiTE in these forums or indeed on the IET website – yet, apparently (and quite rightly) the IET has been an advisor/contributor/supporter.

As a footnote, I would very much like to reach out and connect with any IET members/fellows that are/have been involved in NMiTE with a view of my getting involved too.

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0 Former Community Member over 7 years ago in reply to Chris Pearson
Grazyna Whapshott:

Hi Barry,

I fully suport you mail . I think that the discussion is going for too long with the offensive comments . I would think that it would be better for John to move his "oratorial commemts" to other

forum .

John ,

you do not need to stay in Organisation you hate so much . Find other one which would fullfil your particular requirements .

Best regards

Grazyna

Re: A new model of high-value engineering education
I suggest that you either apologise or join another organisation which is more willing to tolerate your approach.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ref:
“Cheong Tsoi
I read your posts.
Would it be more relevant if you apply for CEng thru Nuclear Institute with your past experience in Nuclear engineering instead of IEE/IET where more suitable for traditional electrical/electronic engineers?”
Barry Brooks
BPS Brooks BSc(Eng) CEng FIET FCGI IET Past-President (IET President 2013-14)
My current (2016-17) roles for the IET: Past-President (President 2013-14); Nominations & Succession Committee; Transport Sector Executive Committee; Fellowship Policy Committee; Professional Registration Assessor & Interviewer for CEng & IEng; Fellowship Assessor & Interviewer; Mentor; and member of various ad hoc working groups (eg planning for FIRST LEGO League Open Championship in Bath Uni 2017; -
seeking to develop an IET nuclear engineering community of interest; seeking investors in the IET’s Horizon Bursary scheme). Posted Sat 15 Oct 2016 09:27 pm BST
I suggest that you either apologise and withdraw these insults, or join another organisation which is more willing to tolerate your approach.
xxxxxxxx
Posted by Grazyna Whapshott on Oct 30, 2017 10:38 am
Hi Barry,

I fully suport you mail.

John ,

you do not need to stay in Organisation you hate so much .
Find other one which would fullfil your particular requirements .
Xxxxxxxxxx

John Gowman
IET Management reply to my signaling of corruption at executive level.
I am sorry to hear that you are disappointed with the IET’s present day attitude to Professional Engineers who are apprentice trained, or have HNC’s/BSc’s.

When assessing engineers for professional registration at IEng or CEng level, the IET adhere strictly to the Engineering Councils guidance, and specifically the UK-SPEC competency framework.
This assessment method requires the Institution to assess members competence based on a combination of their educational qualifications and work based learning to determine which category of professional registration best suits their experience.

With regard to your comments on the IETs denigration of IEng members, I assure you that the IET hold all our members in the same regard, and do not discriminate between our IEng and CEng registered members.


The number of IEng registered Members has been steadily increasing over the last 5 years, and we continuing to do all we can to support and encourage its growth.

As a professional PEI, we are not in a position to comment about your thoughts on Fusion lobbying.
E&T magazine is editorially independent within the IET and E&T’s editorial policy allows a variety of views to be expressed in its pages but it is not endorsing Fusion lobbying.

The IET is a multi-disciplinary Institution, with over 165,000 members operating in all areas of Engineering and Technology.

I hope this has addressed your concerns, and thank you for your continued support of the Institution and the engineering profession.

Head of Membership The IET

John Gowman To the few MIETs that read this IET blog,

It seems that I have upset a few die hard IEE Ludites that refuse change and have no interest in
A new model of high-value engineering education, or for an open, respectfull PEI; the only UK PEI that is not mono-discipline.
We should be setting a new :
A new model of high-value engineering & technology - For all UK professional engineers

When dialog is refused, then other forms of communication are required.

IET has Failed its UK Engineering & Technology, IEng & CEng members.

We should have nothing to do with registering UK titles to overseas PEs; help them yes, control them no.

We have to leave this pyramid, military style elitist approach and get back to working as a team respectful of all its members at all levels of competences disciplines and both genders.

IIE was on the right track IET is being destroyed by this elitist pyramid and Electrical /IT CEng cartel.

IET is now hermetically sealed, the Employees report to the CEO. IET is in perpetual motion.
The MIETs have to join or remain in IET and the big three PEIs, as these three have managed to set up in the UK, an illegal, restrictive practice whereby to work as an engineer, you have to be a CEng.
You have to be a CEng because CEng now recruit; they stipulate CEng only and in the case of UKAEA, it was CEng MIMechE - no IET need apply.

IET is now in perpetual motion because it can guarantee membership; one has to be a member to hold an engineering post.

IET statistics.

150K PEs in 2006

170K PEs in 2017 – 500 staff.

Plus 20K, MIETs since 2006 including overseas members. Do you call this progress?

Facts
3Million PEs do not agree with this system, are not ECUK registered
Only 10% of all PEs in the UK are female.
ECUK ruled by 45++ PEIs runs a restrictive practice cartel that only looks after the needs of 30% of UK PEs.

Conclusion : the whole system is a failure.
Hence the Proff Uff Report, suggesting change.
In the case of IET, the dominant elitist CEng have driven out both IEng and Non Electrical MIETs.
I have missed this change as I worked worldwide with most nationalities I was based in France and too busy trying to survive in this technology revolution that has left the UK out in the cold.

In reply to the above comments, I was an early member of the Nuclear Institute.
The Nuc Inst failed, it had no nuclear engineers. There are more nuclear engineers in the Dept that I worked in, than in the whole of the Nuc Inst.
NI is not a nuclear engineering Institute, it is a nuclear Physics Technology Institute. There are only a hand full of experienced Nuc Eng available for future nuclear Power Projects, that is why the UK has to bring in Nuc Eng from abroad.

Secondly, as a founder member and ex-committee member of Institutes leading to IET.
I have every legal right to demand that :

IET respects its obligations of amalgamation; unfortunately IET has not respected the criteria of amalgamation.

I am not apologizing or joining another organization .
I have called on ECUK to make a QA Audit of IET, ECUK has no power over PEIs, it is subservient.

If however Mrs Tsoi, Brooks and Whapshott (I believe that some of these have only BSc) consider that IET is a refuge for Electrical and Information Technology, Chartered Engineers; then perhaps they should use the MIET majority vote and rename IET :
Institute of Electro-technique Technologies. – IET and carry on denigrating the hard core professional engineers – PE BSc .

Mrs Tsoi, Brooks and Whapshott are not typical MIET
Here is a more realistic comment I read on this blog

“I'd have to slightly disagree with this, I've found the IET CEng process to be pretty much non-discipline specific. In practice the process is looking for professionalism in engineering approach, irrespective of the specialism of the applicant.
Probably a more relevant issue to consider is whether the member will find, after joining and registering, that the institution discusses issues relevant to their discipline - e.g.
I have no doubt a mechanical engineer could obtain CEng through the IET but may not find it offers services as relevant as the IMechE would.
(And I note your comment about "electronics and electrical engineering": when my interest was specifically electronics I, like many others, joined the IET for the CEng and the IEEE for the technical content!)

It's actually a very difficult question. Many of us work across disciplines, and the aim when the IET was set up was that it would also work across all disciplines.
---
Whilst going in the other direction, there are those who want the chartered status to explain what they are, e.g "Chartered Electrical Engineer".

Not keen on that myself, seems a very narrow and (to me) rather outdated view of engineering.”

John Gowman - ECUK MIET IEng retired.
(ex I Nuc Eng; Ex French Vacuum Society, ex Fr Inst of Petroleum Engineers)
Last post :Ingénieur Chercheur, (retired)
Authorised to carry out engineering development, research, project management; safety and security in nuclear installations for an atomic and alternative energy research centre.

I have two approved MScs, and a BA-Science achieved independently after my HNC and ITEME Tech Eng registration. -   I have studied as a post graduate at universities, in French, in France.
I do not chase titles. I stepped down as applicant to CEO for a pre IET PEI, to give a chance to the first woman applicant. I refused a nomination as honorary member, and I refused to wear a silly hat for my BA.
I am an international, professional engineer and technologist, governed by UK law and titles.
I make things that work, and those that work, work better; I use applied science to make profit for my employers or in useful research and development.
I have been called upon to advise the national heads engineering of the - USSR, Israel, UK, France, USA. I am at present a voluntary, power plant advisor.

I do not hate IET ; I simply call for IET to respect all members and to get back on the path that was defined in its original constitution in 2005/6.

You have every right to your opinions, so do others at IET.
You have passed the line of professional respect by demanding someone to resign from IET
You are simply thuggish and non professional.

Engineering is fun
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A new model of high-value engineering education

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