BAE Systems, the Engineering Council and six of the UK's foremost engineering, science and technology institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to progress engineering training, development and professional registration programmes at BAE Systems in the UK.
This is the first partnership which brings together so many engineering organisations committed to building the reputation of engineering and ensuring it is recognised for the role it plays in sustaining the UK's economy.
The six professional engineering institutions signing the MoU are the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
The MoU outlines activities for all parties including establishing a steering group for professional registration which will oversee activities. Each professional engineering institution will also seek to formally accredit BAE Systems graduate and apprentice training programmes as well as visiting BAE Systems sites to provide ongoing advice and guidance before engineers apply for professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Nigel Whitehead, group managing director at BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems is one of the largest employers of skilled engineers in the UK and we are committed to providing a clear framework for career development and training which leads towards professional registration for our people. The engineering institutions are vital in helping us do this and I am delighted that we are able to work collaboratively on such a comprehensive skills accreditation programme.”
Jon Prichard, CEO of the Engineering Council added: “The UK is a world leader in engineering high-end technological solutions and to maintain this we need to ensure our engineers have access to the best training and professional development. We applaud BAE Systems' commitment to skills and look forward to working collaboratively with the company and the six professional engineering institutions in developing this unique partnership.”
The MoU forms an important part of BAE Systems' Skills 2020 programme which was launched in July 2010. Skills 2020 represents BAE Systems' commitment to ensuring it has the right skills to remain competitive and operate successfully in the UK over the next decade, into 2020 and beyond.
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