Introducing Simon Wu, who has recently attained EngTech status and is generously sharing his experience of professionally registering with the PWI.
Why did you want to become professionally registered?
Having gained experience in Track Engineering and Railway Systems, I realised that I was not formally recognised as a Track Engineer which could hinder my progression into future roles. As part of my overall personal development plan, I decided to undertake PWI EngTech in preparation for becoming a Chartered Engineer so I could understand the whole process better and get that first step under my belt. In 2021, I also started a 3-year Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship and MSc Railway Systems Engineering & Integration which will give me the academic pre-requisites that I am currently missing to become Chartered.
How did you find the process?
I applied for and was successful in entering the first PWI EngTech Accountability Group. This commenced in September 2023 and consisted of 8 facilitated sessions every 2-weeks. Experienced mentors coached each student through the entire process in drafting the final EngTech submission. I thought it was very well organised process with excellent support from the PWI Team which personally, suited my style of learning. I would encourage others to do the same.
How do you consider being recognised with EngTech status as helping you in your career?
I am encouraging others within my company to undertake PWI EngTech as a first step on their professional registration journey as I have done. It was an enjoyable experience and I now have a better understanding of the UK-SPEC competences for Chartered Engineer (PWI) alongside how these align to the Rail Portfolio Competences for Degree Apprenticeship. Once I have completed the work for my Apprenticeship and MSc, my plan is to undertake a joint Apprenticeship Occupational Competence Review and PWI Chartership Interview at the same time, hopefully coming out with a Level 7 Apprenticeship, MSc Degree and Chartered Engineer status simultaneously.
By being professionally recognised:
- I will be helped in gaining future roles
- My employer will know they have a professionally qualified Engineer working within their organisation
- I will be able to support others in their own progression.
Professional registration is an important step in pursuing a career in engineering and it lends itself to a ready-made career path, progressing through the titles as your experience broadens and deepens. To commemorate our 140th year as an Institution, we’ve launched the ‘140 Campaign’ to register 140 engineers professionally! Are you interested? Start your journey using the link below.