“Silver-lining” for Regional Engineers

My commitment is that each engineer in their career is enabled to do their best work and completely fulfill on their potential. I am also committed that each of us has the support to be everything needed from us in this incredibly complex, complicated and ever-changing world.

The nature of engineering is that our work is often not centric to major cities. We are critical providers to resources-rich regions, ports and rural centres and the transport and infrastructure that joins it all together.   This means many engineers are working and potentially living remotely and so supporting engineers in our regional areas needs to continue to be an important focus of Engineers Australia.

We are likely to have been negatively affected to some degree by Covid-19.  With physical distancing a critical factor in dealing with the pandemic, we have seen a greater focus across the world on connecting digitally.  With this advent in digital technology as a major (and sometimes only) means of connection, I am thrilled there have been more opportunities for members, particularly those in regional areas, to engage more broadly in WA and across jurisdictions.

We have used a number of online platforms to host meetings and continuing professional development (CPD) which has resulted in a significant increase in our interactions with members and stakeholders.

I am grateful to all the members who have shared with me their perspectives and insights.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the online catch ups to acknowledge and celebrate our new Fellows and Engineering Executives when it was not possible to meet in person.  Last month, I met with members in Kalgoorlie as part of a visit to the WA School of Mines.  In continuing to enquire specifically with the regional and local groups, I would like to ask:

• What have you and your colleagues learned in the last few months? What has challenged you and what has inspired you?
• What do you see as the most important priorities as we move forward together?
• How can Engineers Australia support you in the emerging future?

We are planning some regional engagement activities for the coming months and early next year and will send out more information soon.  You are welcome to contact [email protected] if you wish to schedule time to catch up with me.  

Engineering Registration:

Western Australia is on-track to require professional engineers in the building sector to be registered, with public consultation underway on the introduction of Engineering Registration for the Building Sector in Western Australia.

The State Government is proposing to register building engineers under the existing WA Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 (BSR). Under the proposal, applicants could have their qualification and experience assessed by a third-party industry organisation as a prerequisite for their eligibility.

One of the pathways proposed to register building engineers is through Engineers Australia’s National Engineering Register (NER) as a professional engineer, or chartered professional engineer (CPEng), in the relevant area of practice.

Engineers Australia is consulting our members to inform our submission on the proposal. Throughout the five-month consultation period Engineers Australia is providing members the opportunity to provide written feedback and attend workshops.

Click here to find out more.