Thousands of technicians now eligible to apply for professional membership

IStructE Technician Membership grade

Launch event: IStructE, 11 Upper Belgrave Street, London
Wednesday 28th February 2007 at 6.15pm
Press RSVP to Joe Jennings on 0207 201 9104 or joe.jennings@istructe.org

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has introduced a new grade, Technician Member. The new grade formally includes structural engineering technicians in the Institutionís membership structure for the first time, marking a significant step forward in both recognising and supporting the thousands of technicians following career paths within the construction industry.

The new Technician Member grade will allow engineering professionals such as CAD operators, structural detailers, site supervisors, estimators and risk assessors formal recognition, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the art and science of structural engineering. The new grade is integrated with IStructEís other membership grades and is supported by the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB).

The Technician Member grade is the next professional career step for individuals holding a National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate civil or structural engineering or associated subject or equivalent qualification. The grade gives an entry route into professional recognition, and a personal career milestone, to thousands of people who until now have not been able to enjoy the benefits, support and recognition that comes with membership of a world class professional institution.

Upon joining IStructE, individuals accepted into membership will be entitled to use the description ëTechnician Member of the Institution of Structural Engineersí and the designation ëTIStructEí. Suitably qualified applicants can also be registered with Engineering Council UK (ECUK) as Engineering Technician (EngTech). Candidates will be required to demonstrate that they have satisfied core training objectives and they must successfully complete a Professional Review Interview. Qualifying Technician Members meeting the strict requirements will be able to progress through IStructEís membership grades.

David Harvey, President of IStructE commented, ìThe introduction of the new Technician Member grade is the first major revision to IStructEís membership grade structure in many years. As the Institution looks towards its Centenary year (2008) and beyond, this significant development opens the doors of the Institution to the many thousands of people who work at the very backbone of the construction industry. The step demonstrates the Institutionís ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and development of the structural engineering profession for another hundred years. We are very excited about this development, and look forward to welcoming new technician members into the Institution.î