There are about 1.5 million engineers working at technician or apprentice level in the UK. These are the men and women who put engineering into practice every day. Here’s how they can gain professional recognition for what they do:

What is it? The letters EngTech after an engineer’s name show that he or she has registered as an engineering technician with an approved institution such as IMechE.

Who does it? Engineering technicians with an NVQ level 3 or similar qualification. Engineers who have done a good apprenticeship course should qualify, says Nigel Southwood, the director of membership and information services at IMechE.

How do you qualify? Candidates are assessed on academic qualifications and experience. They need to show that they have good interpersonal skills as well as engineering efficiency, Southwood says. Robert Manley, a precision machinsst at AWE, who this week became the first EngTech to register with the IMechE says: “I described what I had achieved, how I’m keeping myself updated on all the latest issues and what I’m doing to help the local community.”

Why bother? “EngTech is an internationally recognised qualification,” Southwood says. “It is going right at the top of my CV,” Manley says.

What’s in it for employers? Dr Emma Mulligan, the sector development manager at the National Skills Academy, says: “Employees and their employers know that at apprenticeship and technican level they are world class in what they do. It encourages value and quality.”

What’s next? Southwood says: “EngTech is a route which could take them to university, should they be inspired. It could be the first step to chartered or incorporated engineer status.” Manley was certainly inspired and is applying to study mechanical engineering at university.

What is the Institution of Mechanical Engineers?

Established in 1847 by the father of rail, George Stephenson, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is an engineering organisation that works to develop the engineer of tomorrow under its four key themes: education, environment, energy and transport. These themes form the basis of the institution’s vision, “Improving the world through engineering”, which highlights the global requirement for more professional engineers.

With a membership of more than 78,000 engineers, IMechE offers a range of opportunities to all types and levels of engineering professional. These include the Chartered Engineer (CEng); the Incorporated Engineer (IEng); and the institution’s newest registration level, Engineering Technician (EngTech).

The EngTech, launched this week, provides a new route for the forthcoming level 2 engineering diploma, as well as matching the future skill aspirations as outlined in the 2006 Leitch Review.

Members are based in more than 120 countries and represents mechanical engineers in the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries to name a few.

www.imeche.org

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