IStructE backs engineering petition debate

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) supports an online petition calling for the term 'engineer' to be protected.

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) supports an online petition calling for the term 'engineer' to be protected.

The petition demands 'Professional Status for Engineers and Engineering'.

Engineer Jon Jennings has recently set up the petition on the Prime Minister's E-Petitions website.

The Astronautics and Robotics Engineer was spurred into action by what he perceives to be a 'lack of respect' for engineers at all levels of UK society, with 'Car mechanics, plumbers and electricians commonly referred to as engineers'.

The petition has seen the number of signatories rocket over the past few weeks, indicating that it has a significant and growing body of support.

It now appears as the eighth most popular petition out of the 4,877 available on the website.

As at Tuesday 13 th March 2007, over 23,000 people, more than the total international membership of IStructE, have backed the petition by adding their signature.

IStructE applauds the motivation behind the petition and welcomes the ensuing debate about the status of engineers.

However the Institution believes that, while petitions may be an effective way of rallying support and gauging opinion, their impact can be short-lived.

The real challenge is for the engineering institutions and their members to change the general public's perception of today's engineers for the long term.

In 2006, IStructE raised the issue of engineers' professional status with key UK government departments.

The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions at the DTI, responded that the DTI regards 'IStructE members (and those of other engineering institutions) as being valuable professionals on an equal footing with the legal and medical professions, and furthermore essential for the benefit of the nation's industry and infrastructure'.

Phil Hope MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills at the DfES commented: 'We welcome the work done by IStructE to raise standards, encourage engineering as a profession and stimulate continuing professional development among members'.

These responses been shared with the Prime Minister's Office, and IStructE will continue to maintain pressure on Government to address this vital issue for the engineering profession.

Keith Eaton, IStructE Chief Executive, commented: 'Engineers are professionals, and it is important for the future of the profession that they are recognised as such.

The term of engineer has been devalued over the last few years and we need to seize it back.

We will be using our forthcoming Centenary celebrations as a vital opportunity to raise the public's perception of the engineering profession.

IStructE members in the UK should be aware that we are always doing whatever possible to raise the public's perception of our profession.'.

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