Submitted by admin on April 22, 2009 - 23:00
Practical Training
Although basically similar, the practical training requirements for the Civil Electrical and Mechanical Institutions' membership have varied. They require that, during any period devoted to the study of professional engineering subjects, students shall either be attending a university full time or shall be in approved employment where there is an undertaking by the employer to provide training.
The final evidence required by these institutions to show that adequate training has been obtained has taken different forms. The New Zealand Institution, perhaps because it was originally the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers, has followed the practice of the British Institution of Civil Engineers. This requires that, after all examinations are completed, and after specified lengths of time in suitable employment, the candidate attends an interview. At this “professional interview”, candidates are required to present evidence of education and training, to present samples of their work in the form of plans, calculations, engineering quantities, or scientific theses, and to appear in person before two interviewers. Generally speaking, it is impossible for an engineer to present himself successfully until he has spent at least seven, and usually eight years, in engineering studies and employment. Four years at university plus three years in planned employment represent a minimum for university-trained men. Candidates who are successful in passing the professional interview may then apply with confidence for associate membership of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers.