A Member’s Perspective: The Value of Achieving Chartered Status

My name is Damian Jones, and I proudly serve as the Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Project Engineer for the Capital Delivery Central Route at Network Rail. Since joining Network Rail in 2019, I have made impactful contributions from my base at Baskerville House in Birmingham. Before assuming this role, I gained extensive experience as an Electrical Design Engineer within the water and power distribution sectors. My engineering career spans over three decades, beginning in the 1990s when I completed a rigorous four-year apprenticeship as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer with the Engineering Industrial Training Board (EITB). At that time, the typical pathways into engineering were either through a technical trade or university. Guided by my parents, I chose the apprenticeship route, recognising it as the right fit for me before engaging with the academic demands of university. After gaining years of hands-on experience and starting a family, I was determined to elevate my career and explore new opportunities. I seized various chances across the UK and internationally. However, the early 2000s brought a decline in UK manufacturing, prompting me to reassess my future. This shift motivated me to further my education, culminating in successfully attaining a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. This milestone set me firmly on the path to achieving Chartered Engineer status. I realised this was just the beginning; competence is developed over time through dedication and hard work. Upon completing my degree, I took up a graduate position that allowed me to build a robust technical portfolio and deepen my knowledge. Yet, I knew I hadn’t fully realised my potential. Pursuing an MSc became my next step toward attaining CEng status, blending academic prowess with substantial technical experience.

Why did you want to become professionally registered?

I successfully achieved professional registration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) during my undergraduate studies in 2010 and actively pursued Chartered Engineer (CEng) status on several occasions. While I encountered challenges when the CEng requirements were elevated to Level 7 and demanded extensive career experience, I embraced these challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. The absence of a supportive network of fellow engineers in my workplace only strengthened my resolve to advance my career. Aware of my potential for higher academic achievement as a pathway to attain Chartered status, I pursued a Master’s degree. After attending an open day at the University of Birmingham and discovering the MSc in Railway System Engineering and Integration, I eagerly enrolled in the programme, confident in its value to my career.

My commitment to professional development reached a significant milestone when I joined the PWI in 2023, following an inspiring visit from Dr. Brian Counter, an organisation representative. This experience solidified my resolve, and I proudly registered with the PWI. Achieving Chartered status with an esteemed institute motivated me and provided robust support throughout my academic and professional journey. I have found demonstrating my engineering competence and experience exceptionally smooth, thanks to the remarkable staff at the PWI and the University of Birmingham. 

How did you find the process?

The Level 7 apprenticeship process has been pivotal in advancing my professional development, empowering me to build and refine a robust portfolio of competences for the endpoint assessment. This initiative aligns fully with the Engineering Council’s CEng competences and significantly enhances the part-time Master’s program. As a result, I have proactively addressed gaps in my engineering experience, which I have cultivated through my roles at Network Rail and various other employers. The application process was exceptionally well-supported by the membership and registration staff at the PWI, who ensured a seamless and straightforward experience. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasise that the responsibility for fulfilling one’s obligations lies with the individual, fostering a strong and effective partnership towards achieving Chartership.

How do you consider being recognised with CEng status as helping your career?

Achieving my MSc has instilled a deep sense of pride in my academic accomplishments. However, obtaining the Chartered Engineer (CEng) title has significantly elevated my confidence and authority in my professional field. The respect associated with this prestigious title affirms the dedication and hard work I have invested. Furthermore, it has solidified my position among colleagues and empowered me to engage as a true equal in our industry.

We’d like to thank Damian for choosing to pursue Professional Registration with the PWI, and we wish him continued success as his career progresses.